While Beatriz is yet to secure the sponsorship for a full campaign in 2010, the Thun-born De Silvestro has already convinced the officials from HVM to give her a shot through an entire season in the IRL, as she already tested for the team earlier this year. Just like Beatriz, the Swiss racer impressed the audience in one of IRL's feeder series – the Atlantic championship – where she became the female racer with the most poles, wins and led laps in the history of the series.
De Silvestro eventually ended the Atlantic experience last year in 3rd place, after which she was offered a test with HVM in early 2010.
“From the first day of the first test, we knew she could drive. The longer we worked with her, the more she impressed us. I think she has a great future in this series. She made a lot of history in the Atlantic Championship and we expect her to make some waves in IndyCar now that she's here,” said HVM Racing team owner Keith Wiggins.
“I am very grateful for this opportunity and for the type of team that I will have alongside me. I am equally grateful for the support that I have from my sponsors, family, friends and fans. I am very eager for my debut in the 2010 IZOD IndyCar Series season,” added De Silvestro.
De Silvestro recorded no less than 4 race wins during last season's Atlantic Championship, having raced for Team Stargate Worlds, and led the series until the late stages of the year. During the season finale, however, held at Laguna Seca, she had to retire from the race and eventually had to settle for 3rd place overall. Had she finished the race on top of the field, she would have become the first woman in the history of the championship to win the title.
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