Simona de Silvestro says exercising more patience is critical in assisting her progress up the Supercars field as her learning curve continues.
The Nissan Motorsport driver is halfway through a maiden season in Australia’s premier series having made the transition from single-seaters.
Changing disciplines presents several challenges with new circuits and cars to learn, coupled with a grid the former IndyCar and Formula E driver believes is the most competitive faced in her career.
These variables have provided a steep learning curve for the Swiss driver who has impressed since joining the category.
However, the 28-year-old, lying 23rd in the standings, is determined to succeed.
Having shown glimpses of speed highlighted by back-to-back 13th place finishes at Phillip Island, De Silvestro is confident progress is being made, but feels mastering the mental side of the game is the next crucial step.
“Some qualifying sessions we’re right there where my team-mates are, so I think that shows that we’re okay for a first year,” de Silvestro told Speedcafe.com.
“But as a driver you always want to be better, and I’m the type of person that sometimes gets a little bit frustrated with myself.
“That’s just something that I have to deal with, and just maybe be a little bit more patient and get it done.
“It’s hard because the biggest thing is not really having the confidence in what you’re doing.
“In open wheelers I learned what I needed to do and had a lot of confidence in myself, and I think that’s what’s kind of missing a little bit because I put new tyres on and I want to try a little bit too much because the field is so tight.
“A tenth or two just kills you when you make little mistakes. That’s what I really have to start containing a little bit more, not wanting too much every time I’m out there.
“You know in the beginning there was big chunks and now it’s so small.
“It’s just tiny little things that you have to do better, and you just have to find it. The more I start nailing these things the more confidence I’m going to get and the better it’s going to go.”
Although frustrated by the steep learning curve, de Silvestro remains focussed on cracking a top 10 result before the end of the season.
While her performances have reflected favourably against fellow international drivers who have tried their hand at Supercars, she says such comparisons are irrelevant.
“I hope so. I think that’s the goal. I really hope that the last few races we’re right there, and also in qualifying,” he added.
“If we keep working at it, I think it’s possible.
“I don’t really look at it because I think I’m more looking at what I can improve, and that’s really what matters.
“It doesn’t matter what people did before me or whatever, what matters is what I do. The only way I’m going to move forward is if I keep working on myself.”
De Silvestro’s maiden Supercars campaign continues today at the Coates Hire Ipswich Super Sprint.
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