The striking red livery of the Team Harvey Norman entry was officially unveiled at this year’s Championship launch at Adelaide Oval, with De Silvestro excited to get her season underway. “The car looks fantastic. Red goes faster, right?†remarked De Silvestro. “It’s great to show off the Altima I will be racing this year, as well as announcing that Harvey Norman will be supporting me. Harvey Norman was with me at the last two Bathurst 1000’s, so it’s great to have them on board again.â€
The 28-year-old Swiss driver has a decorated track record in open-wheel racing, recording a podium in IndyCar, and landing a testing role with the Sauber F1 Team. But this will be her first full-time season racing the Nissan Altima Supercar.
“Everyone has been really welcoming to me since I arrived, so I can’t wait to get racing. We have started our testing program, and I’m feeling really comfortable in the car and with the team.â€
“This season will be challenging, as it’s my first full year driving the Altima. But I have a great team around me, and I’m really looking forward to going racing at the Clipsal 500.â€
Nissan Motorsport also welcomes two major consumer electronic brands, LG and Lenovo, who will also support De Silvestro’s campaign. For Nissan Motorsport Team Owner Rick Kelly, the new season now has added excitement.
“It’s always great to welcome new brands to our team,†said Kelly. “We were fortunate to work with Harvey Norman last year, but to have them now as part of our team is a huge endorsement of what we’re doing and where we’re headed. With also LG and Lenovo involved, we have two new exciting brands to go and represent. So, we’re all very keen to get the season started.â€
The #78 Team Harvey Norman Nissan Altima will first hit the track for a pre-season test at Sydney Motorsport Park, Feb 21, before the season-opening Clipsal 500, March 2-5.