Nissan Formula E Team is all set for its home E-Prix around the streets of Tokyo for Rounds 8 and 9 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, which takes place less than an hour away from Nissan’s global headquarters.
The Japanese outfit heads to its home event with Nissan sitting on top of the Manufacturers’ Championship and Nissan Formula E Team second in the Teams’ Standings.
To mark the occasion, Nissan Formula E Team has launched its first ever video game – ‘NISMO Electric Racer Tokyo’. The retro-inspired arcade game has been created in collaboration with Japanese Illustrator Kentaro Yoshida to celebrate the team’s home race in Tokyo. Additionally, a special edition livery that reimagines the existing Sakura-themed design will be unveiled across the NISMO social channels and during an event on 14 May at Nissan’s Global Headquarters in Yokohama.
Last time out, Oliver Rowland picked up a victory, a second place and a pole position during the Monaco double-header as he continues to lead the Drivers’ Standings. The Brit has fond memories of racing in Tokyo after wrapping up pole position and second in the race during the championship’s maiden outing back in March 2024. Norman Nato will also be aiming for another strong performance in the Japanese capital, after crossing the line in sixth during Season 10’s edition.
The 2.582-kilometer Tokyo Street Circuit awaits the drivers with the track surrounding the Tokyo International Exhibition Centre, the largest of its kind in Japan, also known as Tokyo Big Sight. Featuring 18 turns, the circuit includes a tricky and technical first sector of slow corners before three notable straights, combining all the elements for a challenging race, with overtaking most likely at Turns 1, 10, 15 and 17.
The first race of the weekend will be the third to feature Pit Boost. Nissan Formula E Team has been successful in the first two, taking second and first in Jeddah and Monaco respectively.
Rowland and Nato will be on-track from 16:00 (UTC+9) local time on Friday for Free Practice. Qualifying on Saturday and Sunday gets underway at 10:20, with lights out for both races at 15:00.
Tommaso Volpe, managing director and team principal, Nissan Formula E Team: “After the success of the race in 2024, it’s very special for the whole team to be back in Tokyo and for a home double-header this time! As the only local team on the grid, this weekend is always very meaningful for us – not only do we get to race in front of the amazing Japanese fans, but also Nissan’s top management who will be in attendance giving us all their support at such an important moment for the company. This race has very quickly become a favorite for both fans and drivers. We’ve got some references from last year when we took pole position and second place, but the slightly updated layout will make the track even faster than before. Plus the Pit Boost on Saturday and then an extra round on Sunday will bring additional challenges. Our main objective for this event and for the remainder of the season is to score points with both cars and ensure that we are consistent. We’re the only team who’ve claimed five podiums this campaign so far, and we’re very determined to add to that tally this weekend.”
Oliver Rowland, driver, Nissan Formula E Team: “We’ve had a strong start to the season which has put us in the Drivers’ Championship lead, but I’m still managing it race by race. When it comes to taking risks, we can’t get too conservative when we’re not even halfway through the campaign yet! I really enjoy the challenges and intensity of this track and it’ll be even quicker this year with the layout changes which have been made. The goal for the weekend is to get into the duels and then aim to be in the top five as we look to score positive points. The support at our home E-Prix is incredible and it adds some pressure to perform, but I love that!”
Norman Nato, driver, Nissan Formula E Team: “Tokyo is a challenging street track with tight corners and chicanes, making it one of the most difficult to drive but also a fun circuit which I really enjoy. I’m feeling good with the car we’ve got so I’m confident we can score big points. The change to a double-header means there is a lot of preparation and adaptation between the races, as one will be more energy management focused. The aim for this weekend on my side of the garage is to get the podium we’ve deserved with car #17 since the first round of the season. And what better place to achieve this than in front of our amazing home crowd and Nissan fans in Tokyo!”
Sérgio Sette Câmara, reserve and simulator driver, Nissan Formula E Team: “This circuit is one of my favorites in Formula E and I enjoyed the maiden trip here last season. Qualifying will be important as it can be tricky to overtake at such a narrow track. With another double-header we’ve got Pit Boost again, which I think has been a great addition to the sport. It always keeps the race interesting, and we see the cars pushing the limit. I remember the support Nissan Formula E Team had in the grandstands last season, so I’m looking forward to being there as part of the squad this year!
