Simona de Silvestro has been signed as Venturi’s test driver for the 2018-19 season.
It marks a return to Formula E for the Swiss racer who last competed in the series in 2016, scoring four points with Andretti, and she will work with race drivers Edorado Mortara and Felipe Massa in developing the team’s new Gen2 car.
De Silvestro will get her first experience in the car at the official Formula E test taking place in Ad Diriyah after the opening round of the championship is held there in December.
Speaking about the drive, de Silvestro said that she had followed the series closely since she left it two years ago, and was looking forward to driving the new Gen2 car.
She said, “I’m delighted to make my return to Formula E as a test driver for Venturi Formula E team and I’m grateful to Susie [Wolff] and Gildo [Pastor] for the opportunity.
“Since competing in season two, I’ve kept a close eye on the Formula E championship and followed its development with interest.
“The arrival of the new Gen2 car represents a huge milestone for the series and I am very happy to be back in an active role at this exciting and important time.
“I can’t wait to get behind the wheel of the Gen2 and to putting my experience to good use helping Venturi with track testing and simulator work.”
The Swiss driver confirmed that she would be balancing her test role with a drive in the Australian Supercars series, but she confident she would be able to manage both.
“The next 12 months will be really busy for me with both Formula E and my Australian Supercars commitments but I’m ready for the challenge and it’s a joy to be working with such a well connected and committed team as Venturi.”
Team Principal Susie Wolff said that the decision to hire de Silvestro had been based on her experience in the series.
“We’re really looking forward to welcoming Simona on board, in her role as test driver she has an important part to play in our race preparations.
“Her background and experience will stand her in great stead in her new role and I know she will be a huge asset.
“Simona is a real team player and a driver I was keen to work with. She has a very positive attitude and no-nonsense approach to her work which will fit in well with the team.”
