Simona de Silvestro signed as Formula E test driver

The Venturi Formula E team has announced that Simona de Silvestro will serve as a test driver for the squad in 2018/19.

De Silvestro already has race miles to her name in the all-electric championship, competing in the final two races of 2014/15 and twice scoring points in a full campaign in 2015/16.

Since 2017, she has raced full-time in the Virgin Australia Supercars Championship with Nissan Motorsport.

She has confirmed that she will remain with Kelly Racing when it reverts to non-factory status next year.

Her first drive back in a Formula E car will be in the Riyadh post-race test on December 16, the day after the season-opener.

“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, team principal) and Gildo (Pastor, team president) for the opportunity.

“Since competing in Season 2, 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 Formula E Team with track testing and simulator work.

“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.”

According to the team, the bulk of de Silvestro’s test work will be in its simulator at its Monaco base.

“We’re really looking forward to welcoming Simona on board,” said Wolff, herself a former Formula 1 test driver like de Silvestro.

“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.”

De Silvestro regularly commutes home to Switzerland between Supercars events.

The Formula E test role comes after the announcement that she will race in an all-female line-up in January’s Daytona 24 Hour.