By alley - Aug 15, 2016, 7:01 AM ET

SUPERCARS: Series pushing to get de Silvestro

The Australian Supercars series is trying to add Formula E and IndyCar racer Simona de Silvestro to its grid on a full-time basis in 2017.

The former Sauber Formula 1 test driver made her debut in the series in last year's Bathurst 1000, in a wild card Ford Falcon run by the title-winning Prodrive team, alongside local Renee Gracie. They finished 21st, 40 laps down, after Gracie hit oil and then a wall during the race, and will race together again this October.

Supercars has outlined

its goal of having a female racing in the series full-time

next year, and is believed to have the funding in place to help facilitate it with a team.

With de Silvestro

replaced in Andretti Autosport's Formula E lineup for 2016/17

, Supercars CEO James Warburton says the series is pushing to get the Swiss driver to Australia.

"The fact that she is the fastest female on four wheels will inspire a new generation of fans and showcase the potential and possibilities for women in the top tier of motorsport, which is an important ambition and we believe an obligation we have for our series," Warburton said. "Simona's achievements of having been Formula 1 test driver, been one of only three females to stand on an IndyCar podium and her achievements in karting and European championships absolutely makes her a target for Supercars.

"It's quite a remarkable career to consider when she is still only 27. Globally Simona has a number of options and people chasing her, all we can do is try and get to the front of the queue and believe me, we are pushing."

Supercars last had regular female competitors in 1997 and '98, when Melinda Price and Kerryn Brewer alternated events in a Holden Commodore.

Its last European full-time drivers were Alexandre Premat in 2012 and '13, and new Formula E driver Maro Engel in '13.

De Silvestro was noncommittal, but said the series was an option.

"I've had a tough year in Formula E right now and I'm definitely looking at all the options that there is out there," de Silvestro told the series' website. Supercars ... I really enjoyed Bathurst last year, it's definitely something to look at. Right now there's no decisions made, the racing is a lot of fun here and as a racecar driver that's what you look for, and going full tilt all the time.

"So who knows? Maybe. I don't know yet."

Originally on Autosport.com