Andretti Autosport announced on Wednesday, March 11th that Simona de Silvestro will be the fourth driver as part of the team’s lineup in the 2015 season. She is confirmed to run the season opener at St. Petersburg later this month.
“I am very excited to be joining Andretti Autosport and to become part of a team with such a successful history,” de Silvestro said. “It feels really special to have been given this opportunity to drive for them. I also want to thank Michael for believing in me and I can’t wait to start working with the team. Also, I am looking forward to get back behind the wheel of an Indy car.”
The 26-year-old has ran in the Formula Renault 2.0 Italia, Formula BMW USA and the Atlantic Championship before beginning to race IndyCar full-time in 2010. In 65 starts, she has one podium finish, led five laps and 14 top-10 finishes. She was also named the 2010 Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year and Tony Renna Rising Star award recipient.
“We are really excited to have Simona come on board with the team for St. Pete,” team owner Michael Andretti said. “She will be a great fit for the team, and hopefully we’ll be able to build on the program, eventually taking it from this race to future events and maybe even a full-season relationship. Fans should stay connected with the team to hear more about our potential future with Simona.”
de Silvestro joins Ryan Hunter-Reay, Carlos Muñoz andMarco Andretti at Andretti Autosport for the upcoming season.