The Dunedin rally driver is on the Italian island all week for back-to-back rounds of the Extreme E series, in which she is representing the McLaren team.
Gilmour was prepared for a challenging experience when she spoke to the Otago Daily Times before the first qualifying event.
"We’re competing in extreme temperatures — 30degC on the track most days — so that’s going to be hard, and the track will be fast.
"At least I raced at Sardinia in 2021, so I have a little bit of experience there."
The Extreme E series is in its second season.
It features mixed driving teams, and Gilmour is paired with prominent American driver Tanner Foust.
They had their first round together in Saudi Arabia earlier this year and were still learning lots about the vehicle and the events in which they were competing.
"I’m getting used to the car," Gilmour said.
"It’s a very, very different vehicle to what I drive back in New Zealand, and the terrain is very different."
Gilmour and Foust did not finish the first qualifying race at the first Sardinia event yesterday due to a suspension issue.
They finished third in the second qualifier but got promoted one place due to another team copping a penalty.
That meant the McLaren car was into the "Crazy Race", the shootout for the final place in the semifinals.
Before Sardinia, Gilmour had a couple of thrilling experiences to add to her glittering motorsport career.
She got to drive a promo lap in a McLaren F1 GTR at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
"It’s like a road-going race car, so not an actual F1 car, but still a very special car.
"I think there are only 28 in the world or something."
Gilmour was also a special guest at the Silverstone Grand Prix recently.
Even someone with her vast experience found the experience mind-boggling.
"It was amazing. I’d never been in an F1 paddock before and to see the money spent on cars and teams, and the corporate hospitality, and the size of the event — it’s all just mind-blowing.
"It’s such a huge event, and it was pretty special to be there first-hand."
Gilmour had another chance to meet fellow McLaren drivers Daniel Ricciardo and Lando Norris.
"They are super cool guys and very friendly."
