Porsche Formula E team has announced Simona de Silvestro and Thomas Preining as its new test and development driver for 2019/20 season.
With Neel Jani and Andre Lotterer as its regular drivers for 2019/20 Formula E season, Porsche has signed de Silvestro and Perining in test and development role to support the race team for their inaugural year.
The two will be working on the simulator at their base and attend select Formula E races, while will also get to drive the new Porsche car in the in-season testings.
The news also means that De Silvestro has moved on from her Venturi test role to Porsche. “It is a great honour to work for this prestigious brand,” she said. “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.”
At the same time, Porsche GT racer Preining gets his first chance in Formula E. “I am very much looking forward to my new role in the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team,” he said.
“I have followed Formula E closely from the word go. I am very excited to see what it feels like to drive the Porsche 99X Electric on the track. It is great to be able to support Porsche in its debut season in Formula E, and to be a part of this future-oriented project from the outset.”
Porsche Motorsport VP, Fritz Enzinger added: “In Simona and Thomas, we have acquired two proven talents for the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team. 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.”
