Swiss-born racer Simona De Silverstro is set to become the first full-time female driver in Australia’s Supercars Championship.
De Silvestro has previously competed in the series, once dubbed V8 Supercars, and raced at last year’s Bathurst 1000 alongside Renee Gracie. For 2017, she has landed a full-time, three-year gig with a yet-to-be-disclosed team, believed to be Nissan.
The successful racer, who has previously competed in the IndyCar Championship and Formula E, has high ambitions and believes she can claim the driver’s championship sometime during her three-year contract.
While speaking with the Gold Coast Bulletin, De Silverstro said “If you look at what I’ve been able to achieve in the past then, yes, that’s achievable. When you drive, you want to win. That’s why I’m coming to Australia.
“Obviously winning the championship is going to be difficult for sure. I respect the drivers and I know it’s going to be tough. But getting podiums, getting wins, that is my goal … that’s why I’m coming to Supercars,” she said.
Next season will see the Supercars Championship change dramatically. No longer will only V8-powered sedans be allowed to compete but regulation changes will permit teams to field two-door coupes and cars powered by turbocharged four- or six-cylinder engines.
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