Nissan Formula E Team is ready to ramp up its preparations for the 2023/24 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship with next week’s pre-season test at Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Valencia, Spain, on October 24-27.
Following an encouraging debut under its new name last season, the squad is looking to further develop its performance in the second year of the Gen3 regulations. The test is the teams’ only opportunity to head out onto the track before the opening round of Season 10 of the championship in Mexico City on January 13, 2024, making it vitally important.
Franco-Argentine Sacha Fenestraz will look to kick off his second year with the team on a positive note as he aims to build on a promising debut season, while British Formula E race winner Oliver Rowland will continue to re-familiarize himself with the outfit following his return after two years away. The week will also feature a rookie test, with Nissan Formula E Team simulator and development driver Luca Ghiotto and Alpine Academy member Victor Martins set to drive. Both first tasted Formula E machinery at Season 9’s Berlin rookie test, with the Italian also heading out on track during FP0 at the last Rome E-Prix.
For Season 10, Nissan Formula E Team has decided to once again sport its popular and captivating cherry blossom livery, paying homage to its Japanese heritage. It also marks the onset of an exciting new chapter, with the squad set to take on its first ever Formula E home race, when the Tokyo E-Prix debuts during cherry blossom season on March 30, 2024. The event is a great opportunity for the team to demonstrate its commitment to Formula E and electric vehicles in Japan for the first time.
Tommaso Volpe, managing director and team principal, Nissan Formula E Team: “We’re all looking forward to getting to Valencia and seeing our cars on track again. Our goal for testing is to finalize the onboarding of some new team members and continue our preparation for the start of the season. We’ve had a few changes internally, most notably the return of Oliver. He’s settled in really well, it’s like he’s never been away! He and Sacha have made a really good partnership already, sharing data and swapping ideas. We’ve been working on making our processes more efficient, we want to improve in every area to help us develop as a unit. We also have some performance items to test in Valencia, and we’ll look to strengthen the confidence and spirit of the team to head to Mexico in a positive mindset.”
Sacha Fenestraz, driver, Nissan Formula E Team: “I’m looking forward to testing, getting back on track and preparing my second season with the team. I had a good break, relaxed and recuperated after a busy season. I’m feeling good, we’ve been working hard during the break, working on the car and analyzing my first year. We’ve made improvements, so I’m excited to see how we compare to the other teams. Our aim for the test is to prepare as best we can for the start of the season, so we can hit the ground running in Mexico City and begin with a strong base for the new campaign and develop from there.”
Oliver Rowland, driver, Nissan Formula E Team: “I’m delighted to return to Nissan and I’m settling in well with the team, it helps that there are some familiar faces! I’m excited to return to action during the test and to drive the Nissan e-4ORCE 04. We’ve done a lot of work since the summer with the crew and engineers, while Sacha and I have already formed a good relationship. We’ll do our best to support the team and help us move forward as a unit. Valencia is a good track to test Formula E cars so I’m very keen to see how we stack up throughout the week. Season 10 is very important for myself and the squad, so we’ll do everything we can during the test to continue our preparations for Mexico City.”
Luca Ghiotto, simulator and development driver, Nissan Formula E Team: “It’s a great feeling to be set to drive the car again, my last time on track was in Rome so I’m very excited for next week. I’ll have the chance to test and help the team with a few small modifications and upgrades, so when I return to the simulator I have fresh feedback from the real life car. Our objectives in Valencia are to gather more data, complete mileage and continue to aid the preparation for Season 10. We’re readying ourselves in the best way possible for the start of the year and I’m delighted to help the team.”
