Andretti Autosport announces 4th driver for St. Pete

Simona de Silvestro

Simona de Silvestro was announced today as the fourth driver to the Andretti Autosport Verizon IndyCar Series lineup for the 2015 season. The Thun, Switzerland native is currently confirmed for the season opener with the four-time IndyCar Championship winning team 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 competed in Formula Renault 2.0 Italia, Formula BMW USA and the Atlantic Championship prior to moving to IndyCar full time in 2010. de Silvestro has 65 IndyCar starts under her belt that include one podium finish (Houston: Race One, 2013), five laps led and 14 top-10 finishes along with being named the 2010 Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year and Tony Renna Rising Star award recipient. The Swiss racer is one of only three women who have recorded a podium finish in IndyCar competition (Sarah Fisher, Danica Patrick).

"We are really excited to have Simona come on board with the team for St. Pete," added team owner Michael Andretti. "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."

The former Formula One test driver joins teammates 2014 Indianapolis 500 Champion Ryan Hunter-Reay, 2014 Sunoco Rookie of the Year Carlos Munoz and veteran racer Marco Andretti, who will begin his 10th season of Verizon IndyCar Series racing. The newest member of the quartet will head to pre-season testing with the Indianapolis-based outfit, soon marking her first laps behind the wheel of an Andretti Autosport Honda. The 2015 season kicks off with the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on the sunny streets of St. Petersburg, FL March 29, live on ABC at 3:00 p.m. ET.