Simona de Silvestro returned to drive an Indy car on a mixed circuit for the first time since 2015, and said she got used to everything quickly at Road America
Simona de Silvestro returned to drive an Indy car on a mixed circuit for the first time since 2015 last Sunday (12) at Road America. Doing the first of three races in 2022 with Paretta, the Swiss started in last position, but finished in a good 21st place in her return to the category. Simona celebrated the result and the mileage accumulated at the Elkhart Lake GP.
"It was interesting to have to deal with fuel management and other things that I haven't had contact with for quite some time. So it was [a day] to get used to everything, but it wasn't bad at all for my first race back. We did 55 laps. I think it was the most I did all weekend. So I'm pretty happy with that!" said de Silvestro.
Paretta, an all-female team, was helped by Carpenter at Road America. Conor Daly was the team's best driver, finishing only 14th, while Rinus VeeKay was 17th. Simona revealed that she performed well at the beginning, but had to save fuel at the end. More important than the result, is being more familiar with the car.
"At the beginning we were able to accelerate a lot and I was a little bit faster than the car in front. I tried to pass some people and then we had to get into the fuel strategy. Overall, I'm happy that I got used to everything very quickly," concluded the Swiss woman.
De Silvestro returns to the track on July 3, when Indy returns for the Mid-Ohio GP. Simona will also participate in the Nashville GP on August 7. Paretta's idea is to use the three races as a warm-up for doing a full season in 2023.