Motorsport: First female driver signs V8s deal

Simona De Silvestro. Photo / Getty

Simona De Silvestro will become the first full-time female driver in the Supercars in more than four decades, signing a three-year deal beginning in 2017.

The former IndyCar and Formula E driver debuted at last year's Bathurst 1000, and will return to the mountain alongside Renee Gracie again next month with Nissan.

"It was such an incredible experience and I knew this could be a goal for the future," the 28-year-old Swiss driver said.

"This is going to be my first full-time year with a closed top car and there a lot of new things for me to learn and adapt to."

Supercars chief executive James Warburton said it had always been a goal for the sport to attract a full-time female driver.

"This is an exciting announcement for the sport and a major coup for Supercars," Warburton said.

"Along with Danica Patrick and Sarah Fisher she is one of only three female drivers to have stood on the podium in IndyCar and she will be a brilliant addition to Supercars."

Christine Gibson was the last full-time female driver in the series, ending her touring cars career in 1975.

De Silvestro is yet to be linked to a team for 2017.

- AAP