Simona De Silvestro Is the Fastest Qualifying Rookie at Sonoma.

Sonoma August 22, 2010: While the late Summer weather might have been unseasonably cold at the Infineon track in Sonoma, CA, the focus today for Team Stargate Worlds/HVM Racing’s rookie driver Simona De Silvestro was to have a good qualifying session. Already having advanced into the second round of qualifying three times this season, Simona was looking forward to accomplishing that feat for a fourth time, and perhaps making it to the “fast six”.

Simona was part of group #1 for Round #1 qualifying. She wasted little time in moving up the time sheets. By her third lap she had shot up to the #1 spot with a time of 1:17:3029. That was the fastest time set through the previous sessions of the weekend by any driver. The team, knowing that the time may not hold, put on another set of red tires and released her out again to complete the session. She ended up 4th and as a result was able to advance into the next round of qualifying.

For round #2 Simona would have to drive her #78 Stargate Resistance car, with red tires she had already used in the earlier session. After making a strong effort, Simona ended the session in 11th and will start tomorrow's race from there.

The race will be aired live on VERSUS TV at 5:00 pm EST. Radio coverage will be provided on XM Radio Channel 145 and SIRIUS Channel 211. Additional coverage will be provided at www.indycar.com .

Simona De Silvestro, Driver No. 78 - "I'm very happy to once again have been able to make it to the 2nd round of qualifying. I do think we still had a chance to advance even further but time ran out and that's racing, but I am so thankful to the crew for their efforts. They worked hard, as always, and everything worked together during qualifying. I'm very excited about tomorrow's race and hope that we can put an exclamation mark on tomorrow's race."

Keith Wiggins, HVM Racing Team Owner– “We had a good first session, fourth, and we were in the fastest group, so I’m happy with that. In the fast twelve session we left some time on the table and so a little disappointed. We had a faster time in there, but that's part of the game. We should be in good shape for the race.”

Imran Safiulla, Team Stargate Worlds Principal - “A strong performance from Simona and the team. She did not have the liberty of familiarity to this very challenging circuit and progressed very well all weekend. We hope to have a strong race and score some valuable points."