In an interview, the Porsche works driver discusses her change of team and her goals in the ADAC GT Masters.

The Swiss driver made her debut in the racing series with a Porsche 911 GT3 R in 2020. She lined up alongside Klaus Bachler for Küs Team75 Bernhard. The highlights were two fourth places at the Nürburgring and in Hockenheim. This season, she and Bachler have switched to Precote Herberth Motorsport, for whom they will once again share the driving duties in a 911 in the German GT Championship.

Your debut season had some highs and some lows. What have you taken from 2020

Simona De Silvestro: “That is true. We had some good races, but were very unfortunate in others, which definitely cost us some places on the podium. However, I learned a lot and my pace was really good at the end of the season.”

As a newcomer to the series and GT3 racing, what did you find the biggest challenge?

“It took a while to find the car’s limit. The biggest challenge was to really understand the tyres – particularly in qualifying. Some of the other drivers have been racing in this series for a very long time, so they simply have more experience. As such, I often spent too much time thinking whilst driving, instead of just going with the flow and doing everything automatically.”

What surprised you most about the ADAC GT Masters?

“The strength in depth within the field is really extreme. Sometimes I was just a tenth of a second off the fastest time, but the difference was six or seven places. That shows how tough the ADAC GT Masters is. You really have to be at your very best. That makes the series so tough, but is also really enjoyable, as it is a great challenge.”

This year, you are back to face that challenge again. But in a new team. How did that come about?

“We sat down with Porsche and considered what we could do differently. Driving for Precote Herberth Motorsport is a great opportunity. The team has already shown that it can win the title in the ADAC GT Masters. Robert and Alfred Renauer have gained so much experience in the ADAC GT Masters, which is amazing for someone like me. And we have two very quick team-mates, so there should be some good competition within the team and we will push each other to perform.”

Klaus Bachler will be your team-mate in the Porsche 911 GT3 R again at Precote Herberth Motorsport. What are his strengths?

“Klaus has a lot of strengths. He is a great team-mate and is really good to work with. We have a lot of fun, which is really cool. Klaus knows the Porsche inside out and is mega quick. As I had so little experience, I was able to orient myself towards him. I can still learn so much from him.”

It is definitely ideal to be driving together again in 2021.

“Yes, I am really pleased about that. We work very well together now – and not just when it comes to driving style. I know what Klaus likes, he knows what I like. As such, we are always able to find a good compromise. I now feel really comfortable in the Porsche 911 GT3 R. At the start of last season, I often oriented myself towards it with regard to the set-up. As such, I am sure that the results will come this year.”

Given the experience you now have, will you be more relaxed in your second season?

“It obviously helps to be driving with Klaus again. And I know what I can do better this year. The experience definitely helps in that regard. There is also a bit of pressure. But I am someone who always wants to perform well, so it is positive, helpful pressure.”

Oschersleben hosts the season-opener in just two weeks. What are you most looking forward to?

“I can hardly wait to get going. I am hugely looking forward to the first race weekend. It will finally reveal where you stand compared to the opposition and whether everything you have worked on during the off-season is really going to work. I have trained intensively and am well-prepared.”

What can you expect from this year?

“A lot is possible. We want to be among the front-runners. We showed last year that we have the speed. You cannot afford to make any mistakes and must ensure you always finish strongly. If we do that, we can challenge at the top of the championship.”

As well as the opening round of the ADAC GT Masters, May has another highlight in store for you...

“Exactly. I will line up at the Indianapolis 500 again. I am fortunate enough to have driven there on five occasions already. It is a very special race with an incredibly rich history. It is one of the races you always want to be part of as a driver. I have driven in the USA for many years and know how important this race is. You could see that from Fernando Alonso, who has appeared there several times in recent years. It is fantastic to have the opportunity to start there again. I am very grateful to Porsche for giving me the green light to go racing there. The Indy 500 fits into my calendar nicely, otherwise it would not have been possible. Porsche and the ADAC GT Masters definitely take priority.”

So, May is going to be a busy month for you.

“Indeed. It will pretty much be all about motorsport. Immediately after the first race weekend in Oschersleben, I will take a flight to the USA. We will then do a lot of testing in Indianapolis, ahead of qualifying. After the race at the end of May, it is straight back to Europe for the ADAC GT Masters at the Red Bull Ring.”