Motorsport: Simona moves to Australia

It's not the manufacturers that set the tone there, but the individual teams that use V8 models from Ford, Holden, Nissan, Mercedes and Volvo. These are not sinfully expensive high-tech cars with filigree aerodynamics, but touring cars with which tough door-to-door battles are possible without this having any effect on their performance when they come into contact with the enemy. Fans all over the world agree that this is what good touring car racing should be like.

For the first time ever, Switzerland will be represented in this popular racing series from 2017. Simona de Silvestro got a foretaste when she took part in the Bathurst 1000-kilometer race in October 2015, where the Australians were so impressed by her performance that everything was done to persuade her to take part permanently. In turn, Simona also did everything in her power to make this happen. Thanks to mutual efforts, this has been achieved.

Support from department store sponsor and the government
The fastest Swiss female racer of all time has signed a three-year contract with the support of the series organization, a major department store sponsor and the government (!). Where and what she will drive will be signed after races at Bathurst in October, where she will drive a Nissan Altima. With her as the first woman to be trusted with anything, the championship should become even more popular, which is already reflected on many of Australia's front pages following the announcement of her signing.

From 2006 to the end of 2013, Simona raced in the USA, most recently for five seasons in IndyCars. After the failed attempt to enter Formula 1 with Sauber, she last raced with Andretti in Formula E. However, neither Formula 1 nor Formula E showed any real interest in her - this is now being done by the Australians. The Supercars Championship 2017 kicks off in March in Adelaide.

simonadesilvestro.com
www.supercars.com
Photos: Archive