SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Dec. 9, 2024 – The Nissan Formula E Team kicked off the 2024/25 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship with a display of speed and potential in a chaotic São Paulo E-Prix. Despite leading for a significant portion of the race, penalties ultimately denied both Oliver Rowland and Norman Nato a points finish.
Strong Start and Early Dominance
Rowland secured a front-row starting position in qualifying, setting the stage for an exciting race. He immediately took the lead at the start and maintained it for several laps, demonstrating the team's impressive pace in the GEN3 Evo era. Nato also showed strong performance, battling within the points-paying positions.
Penalties and Red Flags Disrupt Progress
Both drivers faced setbacks due to drive-through penalties for overpower, a critical factor in Formula E racing. A red flag interruption further complicated the race, causing Rowland to lose valuable Attack Mode time and drop positions. Despite these challenges, Rowland regained the lead with a superb restart, showcasing his driving skills and the car's competitive edge.
Post-Race Penalties Dash Hopes
Nato fought his way back into the top 10, but a post-race penalty for incorrect positioning at the final restart dropped him to 13th. Rowland finished in 14th.
Team Acknowledges Mistakes, Remains Optimistic
While disappointed with the final result, the Nissan Formula E Team acknowledged the mistakes made and emphasized the positives from the season opener.
"It was a very unfortunate race, where our finishing positions were heavily compromised by penalties," said Tommaso Volpe, managing director and team principal, Nissan Formula E Team. "It’s obviously frustrating not to score points, but the result doesn’t do justice to our performance on track. We displayed fantastic pace both in qualifying and the first half of the race, and Oli showed he had the potential to win."
Rowland echoed this sentiment, stating, "The positives are that the car is fast, I was able to lead and still be energy efficient but we made too many errors, which is something we will aim to rectify in the next rounds.”
Looking Ahead to Mexico City
Despite the setbacks in São Paulo, the Nissan Formula E Team remains optimistic about the season ahead. The drivers and team management expressed confidence in the car's performance and their ability to compete at the front of the field. They are determined to learn from their mistakes and bounce back stronger in the next race in Mexico City.
About Nissan in Formula E
Nissan, the first and only Japanese manufacturer in Formula E, has a long-term commitment to the all-electric racing series. The company leverages its participation in Formula E to advance its EV technology and promote sustainable mobility. Nissan recently extended its commitment to the GEN4 era, running until 2030, aligning with its Ambition 2030 electrification goals.
About Formula E
The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship is the first global sport certified with a net zero carbon footprint from inception. The series serves as a platform to develop and promote electric vehicle technology and sustainable mobility solutions.
Nissan Formula E Team's promising start in São Paulo, despite the unfortunate penalties, sets the stage for an exciting season. With their focus on continuous improvement and a competitive car, Rowland and Nato are poised to challenge for podiums and victories in the races to come.