De Silvestro impresses HVM
"She was very impressive," said Keith Wiggins, HVM Racing team principal and owner. "From the first laps, she showed she was capable of driving the car fast and she progressed rapidly. She was fast, consistent and gave good driver feedback. In fact, by the second half of the first day, we were so comfortable that we began working on development of our 2010 program using her feedback.
"By day two, I think everyone forgot she wasn't a seasoned professional. Everyone enjoyed working with her."
Team Stargate Worlds principals Shane Seneviratne and Imran Safiulla were happy with the test as well:
"These were two very important days for us and our commercial partners. We want to thank Keith and the entire HVM organization for making us feel right at home. Simona got comfortable in the car over the last few days and it has been very exciting to get a glimpse of what may lie ahead. We would like to thank the IndyCar Series for making this test possible."
The 21-year-old De Silvestro finished third in the 2009 Atlantic Championship, winning four races this year for Team Stargate Worlds. She said it did not take long to get accustomed to the IndyCar.
"It was a dream come true to step into the cockpit of the Stargate: Resistance IndyCar," said De Silvestro. "I got comfortable right away and soon came up to speed, and overall thought the test was excellent. I need to thank Gary Whiting at Cheyenne Mountain Entertainment along with Imran, Shane, and the rest of Team Stargate Worlds for making this happen. Thanks to Keith Wiggins and the engineers for making the experience so enjoyable and for supporting me. HVM is a first-class organization."
HVM will return Robert Doornbos to the No. 33 HVM Racing car in 2010 and is exploring options for its second car.
Team Stargate Worlds' test with HVM coincided with the launch of the Stargate: Resistance Web site, http://stargateresistance.com/, which was displayed on the car. Stargate: Resistance is an online third-person shooter game being developed based on the popular Stargate sci-fi television franchise.