Open-Wheels

Simona De Silvestro spent her early career honing her racing skills in Europe. 2003 and 2002 saw the youngster earn a second-place finish in the Trofeo Industria Parma, fifth in Wintercup Lonato and third in Primavera Lonato. In 2006, Simona crossed the Atlantic over to the United States to pursue her open wheel dreams. That year she completed her first season in the Formula BMW USA championship collecting a victory at Lime Rock, six podiums and eleven top-10 finishes en route to a fourth-place finish in the overall point standings.

In 2007, as a rookie in the Atlantic Championship, De Silvestro earned two top-10 results and scored championship points in nine of 12 races en route to 19th in the point standings with Walker Racing and followed that up in 2008 when she earned eight top-10 finishes, including her very first win at Long Beach for the Late Paul Newman’s outfit, Newman-Wachs Racing. In 2009 De Silvestro picked up her game and stunned the North American open-wheel world. She would go on to win 4 races in dominant fashion with Team Stargate Worlds.

De Silvestro, who is often referred as “the Swiss Miss” because of her Swiss upbringing, was the first woman in series history to have earned the most wins, pole positions, and led the most laps all in a single season.

You can follow Simona on twitter: @simdesilvestro

1. If you weren’t a race car driver, what would be your dream job?

I have my dream job, but if I weren’t a race car driver I would probably be a baker or work in the hotel industry.

2. What would you list as your biggest accomplishment to date?

My biggest accomplishment is being an IndyCar driver.

3. If you could win one race that you haven’t yet, which race would it be, and why?

It would be the Indy 500 because it’s such an important race.

4. Most racing drivers have an idol or a mentor, who is yours and how have they encouraged you in your career?

My idol is Michael Schumacher. I admire his work ethic and dedication to the sport.

5. Other than you, who is the most talented driver in the series you currently race in, and what is it about them that makes them special?

I wouldn’t pick one person, because there are a lot of really talented drivers in the IndyCar Series.

Thanks Simona!

We will work to get each and every driver we can to answer the same set of 5 questions. Our ultimate goal is to have current, past, and future stars of motorsports participate. If there is a driver you would like to see answer the 5 Questions, you can submit your request or even questions of your own on twitter @open_wheels.