Simona De Silvestro makes Supercars return in DJR wildcard

Simona De Silvestro will make a return to the Supercars grid later this season after being named as part of the line-up for a DJR-run wildcard at Bathurst.

The Swiss-Italian racer last competed in the series back in 2019 at the wheel of one of Kelly Racing’s Nissan Altimas before returning to Europe to compete in the ADAC GT Masters when the pandemic left her unable to return to Australia.

Currently working as a Porsche factory driver, De Silvestro will join forces with Super2 racer Kai Allen at the wheel of a third Ford Mustang being run by the Shell V-Power Racing Team.

It marks the first time that the Dick Johnson Racing squad has entered a wildcard in the biggest event on the calendar.

“I am thrilled to race back at the iconic track in Bathurst and want to thank DJR and Shell V-Power for this amazing opportunity,” De Silvestro said. “Four years has been too long but who would have thought in 2019 that I would not be able to travel to Australia for such a long time.

“I am looking forward to teaming up with young talent Kai and I am sure we will make a great team. Of course, I also want to thank Harvey Norman and Katie Page who have been supporting me all my career in Australia. I can’t wait to be back in Australia in September to start testing the new Gen3 car.”

Allen meanwhile said he was excited at the prospect of competing in the main series for the first time.

“I’m so proud and excited to be joining DJR as part of their first Bathurst wildcard, representing the Shell V-Power brand,” he said. “I’m really looking forward to working with such a knowledgeable and well-respected team, who have seen so much success over the years.

“Co-driving with Simona will no doubt be a highlight of the year and I can’t wait to learn from her, as she is such an experienced driver.”