TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team has named Simona de Silvestro and Thomas Preining as its test and development drivers for its debut season in the all-electric series.
Porsche is one of two new teams for the impending Season 6 campaign, with the German marque joining Mercedes-Benz to expand Formula E’s 2019/20 grid to 24 cars.
While Neel Jani and Andre Lotterer will drive the 99X full-time for Season 6, the pair will be supported by de Silvestro and Preining over the course of the campaign, with the duo completing simulator and test work for the team.
De Silvestro joins Porsche from Venturi Formula E for whom she was test driver last season, previously driving for Andretti in the first and second seasons of the series.
“It is a great honour to work for this prestigious brand,” she said. “I am really looking forward to my new role as test and development driver for the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team.
“Over the last few years, I have gained a lot of experience from my previous involvements in Formula E. I will do my best to help Porsche on the road to success.”
21-year-old Preining will join Silvestro in her support role, with the Porsche factory driver entering new territory with his Formula E role having previously competed in various categories of GT racing including the FIA World Endurance Championship.
“I am very much looking forward to my new role in the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team,” he added. “I have followed Formula E closely from the word go. I am very excited to see what it feels like to drive the Porsche 99X Electric on the track.
“It is great to be able to support Porsche in its debut season in Formula E, and to be a part of this future-oriented project from the outset.”