Subscribe

Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Motorsport prime

Discover premium content
Subscribe

Edition

Global
Breaking news

Barrichello and Viso lose IndyCar rides as KVRT signs De Silvestro for 2013

Rubens Barrichello, KV Racing Technology Chevrolet

Rubens Barrichello, KV Racing Technology Chevrolet

Eric Gilbert

Simona De Silvestro has a new ride in 2013 for the IZOD IndyCar Series. The Swiss lady will team with Tony Kanaan for the KV Racing Technology team next year.

What happened to Rubens Barrichello? No word from the Kevin Kalkhoven-Jimmy Vasser camp has been given on when the Brazilian left the team. Did he leave after his debut IndyCar season on his own, or was he simply replaced in favor of the sponsors that De Silvestro brought to the table?

I think it’s going to be great having Tony as a teammate.

Simona De Silvestro

The likeable Brazilian who has stated many times that he wishes to return to Formula One will be missed by the fans and the paparazzi. Perhaps he is negotiating a new deal at this time. He is not the only 2012 driver who lost his ride with the team. E.J. Viso has left the building also.

"I am very happy to welcome Simona to KV Racing Technology," says team co-owner Kevin Kalkhoven. "I have been watching her race for many years and she shows tremendous talent. I think we will really see this on the road/street courses and having Tony as a teammate will provide her a wealth of information, so I am excited for what the 2013 season will hold."

Indeed De Silvestro does have the talent and the ability to become one of the top drivers in the series. Yet, was this deal done due to her bringing the Nuclear Clean Air Energy campaign sponsorship?

It will be her first season racing side-by-side and working with a teammate. “I’m really excited to be joining KV Racing Technology. I think it’s going to be great having Tony as a teammate. It’s never easy to make a change like this, but I’m confident that it’s the right move for me going forward,” she said.

Simona de Silvestro, Lotus HVM Racing Lotus
Simona de Silvestro, Lotus HVM Racing Lotus

Photo by: James M. Holland

HVM Racing will now be looking for a driver since that is the team that gave De Silvestro her 2012 ride. “I do want to thank Keith and HVM Racing for helping me gain a ton of experience these last three years. Even though we struggled last year with our engine, I learned a lot,” said De Silvestro.

De Silvestro tested with the team at Barber Motorsports Park yesterday. She will test again before the end of the year. Last year, she struggled with the Lotus engine so the change to Chevrolet no doubt has her smiling.

Co-owner Jimmy Vasser commented: “She has shown a lot of determination and to now be able to work with someone as experienced as Kanaan will be a huge asset for her.”

So now we wait to see what will be the fate of Barrichello and Viso.

Be part of Motorsport community

Join the conversation
Previous article Randy Bernard steps down as CEO of IndyCar
Next article KV Racing Technology signs De Silvestro for 2013

Top Comments

There are no comments at the moment. Would you like to write one?

Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Motorsport prime

Discover premium content
Subscribe

Edition

Global