Nissan Formula E Team looks to maximize potential at Berlin E-Prix

Nissan Formula E Team heads to Berlin this weekend for Rounds 7 and 8 of the 2022/23 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, with Norman Nato and Sacha Fenestraz set to tackle the second double-header of Season 9.

Having hosted more E-Prix than any other venue, the 2.355-kilometre Tempelhof Airport Circuit is a staple of the Formula E calendar and has utilized a variety of layouts. Most recently, it has been used in both directions for its double-header, although this year only the anti-clockwise variation will be raced on.

The circuit, which features a Douglas DC-3 aircraft on the inside of Turn 6, is challenging due to its abrasive surface, putting an even greater emphasis on energy and tire management.

Both Nissan and Nato have had success at the track, winning in 2020 and 2021 respectively, while rookie Fenestraz will be making his Berlin bow this weekend.

Qualifying gets underway at 10:40 CEST (UTC +2), while the races start at 15:00 CEST. Find out how to watch here.

Following the double-header, the team will remain in Berlin for the Rookie Test on Monday 24 April, with Luca Ghiotto and Victor Martins set to drive for Nissan Formula E Team.

Tommaso Volpe, managing director and team principal, Nissan Formula E Team: “Despite this this event being a double-header, we have to approach it the same way as any other and work on fine-tuning the set-up so that we can compete towards the sharp end across the weekend. This year, that job is slightly easier because both races are being run in the same direction, unlike in 2022. The track surface in Berlin presents a massive challenge as it’s high-grip, which can overheat the tyres, so we have to try to avoid that in the race. There are a lot of overtaking opportunities at Tempelhof too, making it a good spectacle for the fans. Nissan has performed well here in the past, and that motivates the whole team as we all want to fight for the podium.

“We also have a really talented line-up for the rookie test. Luca has been testing in our simulator for a while now and will be with the team in Berlin, so it’ll be helpful for him in his new role to get some track time. Victor was also at the factory recently, he has a really high potential as a driver and I’m looking forward to seeing him hit the track.”

Sacha Fenestraz: “It’s the first double header since Diriyah, so it will be good to get plenty of time on track. It’s going to be my debut at the Berlin circuit, so I’m excited to compare my development to the rest of the field, as most drivers already know the track. I’m feeling very motivated, we’re coming off a difficult weekend in São Paulo and the whole team has been pushing since then. I’ve spent plenty of time in the simulator, the Tempelhof circuit looks really fun, with lots of overtaking opportunities. Qualifying will be crucial, as will energy management because there’s a lot of straights. The first part of the season has been positive, despite a lot of ups and downs, but we’ve been learning at each round so I’m looking forward to attacking the Berlin weekend.”

Norman Nato: “Coming to Berlin is always special for me. I took my first ever E-Prix here, so naturally I have very fond memories of the city and the track. The whole team knows that this weekend is a big opportunity due to the double-header. The Tempelhof circuit is tricky and puts an emphasis on tire management due to its surface. The racing line is often narrow due to the amount of marbles produced, so we’ll have to be careful not to be caught out. The aim is to fight for the podium this weekend, improving in qualifying will be vital to those chances, but the potential is there.”

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About Nissan in Formula E
Nissan made its all-electric racing debut in Season 5 (2018/19) of the ABB FIA Formula E Championship, becoming the first and only Japanese manufacturer to enter the series.

In Season 7 (2020/21), Nissan announced its long-term involvement in Formula E and its commitment to the Gen3 era, which will run from Season 9 (2022/23) through to the end of Season 12 (2025/26) of the all-electric racing series.

In April 2022, Nissan acquired the e.dams race team, with the Japanese automaker taking full ownership of its involvement in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.

In June 2022, Nissan announced it would supply its Nissan EV powertrain technology to McLaren Racing for the entirety of the Formula E Gen3 era.

For Season 9 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, the Nissan Formula E drivers will be Norman Nato and Sacha Fenestraz.

Nissan races in Formula E to bring the excitement and fun of zero-emission electric vehicles to a global audience. As part of its goal to achieve carbon neutrality across its operations and the life cycle of its products by 2050, Nissan intends to electrify every all-new vehicle offering by the early 2030s in key markets. The Japanese automaker aims to bring its expertise in transferring knowledge and technology between the racetrack and road for better electric vehicles for customers.

About Formula E
The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship became the first global sport to be certified with a net zero carbon footprint from inception back in 2020, having invested in certified climate-protecting projects in all race markets to offset emissions from every season of electric racing.

All cars in the championship are powered by electricity, with the series acting as a competitive platform to test and develop the latest in electric technology.

The World’s greatest manufacturers race against each other on street circuits and Formula E promotes the adoption of sustainable mobility in city centres in a bid to combat air pollution and lessen the effects of climate change.

Source – Nissan