Qualifying speed key to de Silvestro improvement

The Swiss driver finished her first full-time season 24th in the points, effectively last out of the drivers who started all 26 races thanks to Alex Rullo missing the final two rounds.

In terms of highlights she enjoyed a pair of 13th place finishes at the Phillip Island round back in April, and was potentially on course to finish the year with a season-best result in Newcastle before being spun by a recovering Scott McLaughlin.

Reflecting on the star signing's debut season, Nissan Motorsport team owner/driver Kelly reckons her competitiveness hinges on qualifying performance.

According to Kelly, de Silvestro has proven she has both the race craft and race pace to mix it with the established names on the grid – all she has to do is improve on a qualifying performance that this year yielded an average starting spot of 22.6.

"She's got a full year under her belt now. Her race craft and race pace are her strengths," said Kelly.

"She has good pace; when we find ourselves racing her, her pace is very strong.

"It's just her qualifying position that lets her down at this stage. She's still got a bit to focus on with that, so that's certainly going to be something she's working hard on for next year.

"If she puts herself in any position in the field, she can stay there and race there. I think all the other drivers respect that now.

"Once she makes some inroads on [qualifying], the results will come."

Next year will be the second in de Silvestro's three-year deal.

Todd Kelly retirement 'perfectly executed'

Both Rick Kelly and de Silvestro will be part of an altered Nissan Motorsport line-up next season, with Todd Kelly's retirement paving the way for Andre Heimgartner to join the squad.

Reflecting on his older brother's retirement, Rick Kelly said it's been a well-timed and well-executed exit for the veteran Supercars star and 2005 Bathurst winner.

"He's still capable," said the younger Kelly. "We know the opportunity we've got isn't as good as others, and when I say that I mean the car isn't as good as others on a consistent level. I think if he had a car that was a little bit stronger, he'd still be getting great results.

"At some point you get to a point where you need to focus on other things in life, and he's at that point. He's done it for a long time, and he's got some great results. He's contributed a lot as a driver. And now he feels it's time to focus on the team in other ways.

"As much as I think he's still very capable as a driver, I respect that decision, and I can see from his perspective how it's time for him.

"It's been spoken about a little bit in previous years, but it's got to be right for the individual. I don't think it's fair for anyone to say when someone should step down, and he got to the point where it was the right time for him.

"I think he executed it in a perfect style at the last round."