Simona de Silvestro joins Porsche as Formula E development driver
Simona de Silvestro has landed a test and development driver role with Porsche's Formula E squad for the 2019/20 season
The Swiss driver is one of two test drivers joining the works outfit in support of its drivers Neel Jani and Andre Lotterer, Porsche junior driver and World Endurance Championship GT racer Thomas Preining joining de Silvestro in the extended line-up.
De Silvestro is no stranger to Formula E, having made a pair of starts for Andretti Autosport at the back end of the 2014/15 season.
She was also named official test driver for the Venturi squad for the 2018/19 season.
"It is a great honour to work for this prestigious brand," said de Silvestro.
"I am really looking forward to my new role as test and development driver for the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team.
"Over the last few years, I have gained a lot of experience from my previous involvements in Formula E.
"I will do my best to help Porsche on the road to success."
Preining finished third in the Porsche Supercup last year - which races on the Formula 1 support package - and won the 2018 Porsche Carrera Cup in Germany.
He last raced single-seaters in 2016 when he finished third in German F4, behind current Supercup racer Joey Mawson and Ferrari Formula 1 junior and Formula 2 Mick Schumacher
"In Simona and Thomas, we have acquired two proven talents for the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team," said Porsche's vice president of motorsport Fritz Enzinger.
"Simona comes with a wealth of experience gained in various different race series and is also a familiar face in Formula E.
"We are looking forward to working with her and welcome her to the Porsche family.
"Thomas has been with us since 2017, during which time he has demonstrated his talent in GT racing on numerous occasions.
"With the Formula E programme, we are giving Simona and Thomas the opportunity to develop as drivers and to make a positive contribution to the Porsche Formula E project."
The deal casts further doubt over de Silvestro's future in Supercars.
Her Kelly Racing deal is up at the end of this season, de Silvestro understood to be leaving the Nissan squad regardless of whether she stays in Australia or not.
For 2020 she's been linked to a range of options, from full-time Supercars seats at the likes of Tickford and Matt Stone Racing, to a wildcard Supercars programme paired with an overseas deal, to a clean break from the Aussie series and a return to Europe.
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