While frigid Alabama temperatures may have greeted the team on the first day, it wasn’t going to deter the task at hand. De Silvestro was able to run some valuable learning laps, and by the end of the day had completed 48 successful laps with a best time of 01:12.8124 coming at Lap 36.
On Day 2 De Silvestro roared back on track and soon began carving her way around the 2.38-mile permanent road course. The experience and confidence gained during her previous day served her well and her speeds kept her amongst the more seasoned series veterans throughout the session. By the end of the day, De Silvestro had concluded 58 laps with a top speed of 01:11.335 which put her 16th on the timesheets.
This test was only De Silvestro’s second time in an IndyCar in her career with her first being in December at Sebring (Fla.) International Raceway under similar frigid conditions. By all measures, De Silvestro and her team accomplished the goals of the two-day event and continued to build on what was already a solid partnership between Team Stargate Worlds and HVM Racing. The team continues to put together the final details of its 2010 racing plans with announcements expected before the season opener in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on March 14.
Simona De Silvestro – Driver, No. 78 Stargate Resistance - “I had a little bit of a rough start in the beginning, but it was the first time I had been in an IndyCar on a fast track and it is something still very new to me. However, at the end of the day, the team and I gained a lot of knowledge and we accomplished our goals and in that respect I think we managed to have a very successful test. We used the opportunity to try some new things and I believe collectively as a group we are heading the right way. Overall I am so happy with everything and the team has helped me learn quite a lot and I look forward to learning more this season.”
Imran Safiulla – Team Stargate Worlds Principal - “On behalf of Shane (Shane Seneviratne) and I, the test did not start the way we would have liked and the poor weather conditions were the primary factor. However, it’s always about the recovery and Simona and the team did just that. We got some good laps in and she started to get comfortable. We do have a learning curve as a single-entry rookie, but we are very encouraged with what we have so far.”
Keith Wiggins – HVM Team Owner - “It was another good test for Simona and another demonstration of her talent and what lies ahead. With her approach and our support she will continue to improve and be a serious IndyCar contender.”
About HVM Racing:
HVM is based in Indianapolis, Indiana. In its nine years of competition, the team has earned six wins, two pole positions, and an additional 16 podiums. The team finished fourth and third, respectively, in the Champ Car championship standings in 2006 and 2007, and earned drivers Mario Dominguez and Robert Doornbos Rookie of the Year honors in 2002 and 2007, respectively. Since joining the IRL Championship in 2008, the team has earned nine top-10 finishes with drivers E.J. Viso and Robert Doornbos.
About Team Stargate Worlds:
Team Stargate Worlds entered the 2009 Atlantic Championship season in partnership with US RaceTronics with one of the world’s most talented female race car drivers Simona De Silvestro and Hollywood star turned serious professional racer Frankie Muniz. For more information about Team Stargate Worlds please visit www.usracetronics.com. The Team Stargate Worlds Twitter page can be found at http://twitter.com/TeamSGW while the team’s Facebook page can be found at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=70120788804
- Team Stargate Worlds/HVM Racing, Press Release
