Nissan Formula E Team Strives to Succeed as Formula E returns to China
Photo credit: DPPI
As Season 10 draws closer to the last six rounds of the competition, the Nissan Formula E Team is prepared to take on the Shanghai International Circuit for the first time this coming weekend in Rounds 11 and 12 of the 2023/24 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. Oliver Rowland increased his season total of podium finishes to six with two outstanding drives from positions 15 and 16 on the grid on Saturday and Sunday, respectively, during his most recent outing in Berlin. Before leaving for China for another doubleheader, the British player is now ranked third in the World Championship standings.
Recently, teammate Sacha Fenestraz has also been running well; he has scored points in four of the last five races and has demonstrated a positive speed. The series last visited the Land of the Red Dragon in Sanya five years ago, and China played host to the first-ever E-Prix in 2015, which took place around the Bird’s Nest Olympic Stadium in Beijing. On that occasion, Rowland secured the team’s pole position and finished second in the race—his first-ever podium finish in Formula E.
Known for hosting the Chinese Grand Prix, the venue this weekend has altered the entire layout to accommodate Formula E vehicles. The course has twelve turns, the first of which is a tough loop that gets tighter as it approaches the challenging rolling complex of Turns 2 through 4. Throughout the two races, the best overtaking opportunities should be found in the severe braking zones that lead into Turns 6 and 10. Friday’s FP1 kicks off track action, followed by qualifying at 10:20 (UTC+8) and the E-Prix on Saturday and Sunday at 15:00 (UTC+8).
Sacha Fenestraz, driver, Nissan Formula E Team: “We showed good speed in Berlin and proved that strong points is a huge possibility. I continued to make progress on my side with energy management, particularly in these peloton-style races, which we are expecting once again in Shanghai. As a team we’ve been working on improving in qualifying, getting the tires in the right window to be back in the Duels on a regular basis. I’m looking forward to taking on a brand-new venue and can’t wait to be back in the car!”
Tommaso Volpe, managing director and team principal, Nissan Formula E Team:“Berlin was another strong event in terms of race pace and how effectively our drivers managed to come through the field into the top-10. We’re delighted for Oliver to pick up another two podiums and it was a positive weekend from Sacha, adding more well-deserved points to his tally. This weekend’s event in Shanghai is going to be challenging for everyone, as it’s a new venue for Formula E so it’s going to be about who adapts and learns the quickest. We’re in good spirits after our strong results this year but we know that we still have a lot to improve, so we will look to carry that mentality and focus into this double-header.”
Oliver Rowland, driver, Nissan Formula E Team: “I’m happy with the way I’m racing right now. Berlin was strong for us with the double podium, and while we’re happy with our championship position, we’re taking it race-by-race. Shanghai is set to be a completely different type of circuit to what we faced in Berlin, so my goal is to get myself and the car in a slightly better window in qualifying to get us further up the grid. The gaps at the front are so small, any improvement will be a huge help. The track looks to have high-speed corners and we’ll aim to execute our strategy and score two more positive results.”
Drive New Nissan With Our Help at John Sisson Nissan Today!
We’re all about helping our customers enjoy their shopping experience. We have a friendly and passionate sales team that will make your buying, leasing or selling needs easy for any of our newest vehicle inventory. We’re happy to be your dealership home. Considering a pre-owned vehicles? We have a whole bunch for other options to choose from.
Don’t forget we have a trained service team that can help with an online appointment to get started on all maintenance work and repairs. At John Sisson Nissan, we know what it takes to provide a worthwhile experience. Allow us the pleasure to help you find your dream vehicle today!