Nissan kicked off Season 9 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship in Madrid this week, with the unveiling of its brand-new livery on the NISSAN e-4ORCE 04.
With 85 years of motorsport history and over a decade of EV expertise to its name, Nissan’s participation in Formula E is the perfect showcase of its commitment as the company charges towards an electrified future in alignment with its sustainability goals.
Featuring an eye-catching cherry blossom pattern, the team’s choice to incorporate Japan’s national flower in its Season 9 livery is not only a nod to the squad’s Japanese DNA, but also symbolises and celebrates a new beginning.
Ashwani Gupta, Nissan’s Chief Operating Officer, said: “Season 9 marks a new era for Nissan’s participation in the championship. It will be our fifth competing in Formula E but our first as one team.
“We have a long history in racing, and we love to dare to do what others don’t. Our new livery celebrates our Japanese heritage and I’m certain that the design will stand out on the track like never before.”
The upcoming championship also marks the start of the highly anticipated Gen3 era. Packed with 40% more power than last year’s homologation and delivering over 200mph top speed, the new Gen3 race car brings a level of excitement to electrification never experienced before.
“Formula E represents the pinnacle of EV technology, and we are confident this upcoming, next-generation series will deliver innovation and excitement on and off the track,” said Guillaume Cartier, Chairperson, Nissan AMIEO (Africa, Middle East, India, Europe and Oceania).
“With more than half of the races taking place within our diverse AMIEO region, our ability to implement road-to-track and track-to-road knowledge exchange will directly contribute to the development of our electrified technologies and electric powertrains to deliver the best for our customers.”
Tommaso Volpe, general manager, Nissan Formula E, and managing director, Nissan Formula E Team, commented: “The upcoming campaign is a big moment for the series, with the introduction of the Gen3 cars. But it’s also key for us at Nissan, with the team running under its new name as we take full ownership of all our operations in Formula E. All of us at Nissan are very excited for this new beginning.”
New driver line up for Nissan Formula E Team
Nissan Formula E Team also has a new driver line-up for the upcoming season, blending experience and youth with Formula E race winner Norman Nato and 2022 Super Formula runner-up Sacha Fenestraz both joining the team. Frenchman Nato will compete in the #17 car, while Franco-Argentine Fenestraz will take to the wheel of the #23 machine.
“I really like the new livery, it’s different and will definitely stand out on track,” said Nato. “The cherry blossom design is a great touch. This season is also a new beginning for me, and one I’m extremely excited for.”
Fenestraz commented: “The car looks beautiful, I love the idea of the cherry blossom. It’s the first time we’ve seen anything like this in Formula E and it’s great to celebrate the Japanese heritage of the team. I can’t wait to be on track and I’m really excited to start testing soon.”
Shell and The Woolmark Company to partner with Nissan Formula E Team
For the upcoming season, the Nissan Formula E Team will count on the valuable support of two strong technical partners. The team will keep working closely with its well-established partner Shell, while also proud to announce an exciting new collaboration with The Woolmark Company.
Shell will continue its long-standing partnership with the team into Season 9, demonstrating its commitment to Formula E. The partnership supports Shell in its continued development of its specialised Shell E-fluids, designed to optimise the efficiency of EVs, and its expanding Shell Recharge charging network, as it aims to become the global leader in EV charging services.
The Woolmark Company joins Nissan Formula E for Season 9 as its technical partner to develop a high-performance team kit using Merino wool. Soft on the skin, Merino wool offers unbeatable moisture management, thermoregulation and breathability properties, making it perfectly engineered to a performance-led environment.
Commenting on the Nissan Formula E Team partners for Season 9, Volpe said: “For us at Nissan it is very important to partner with companies that share our same values, priorities and long-term goals, especially when it comes to sustainability and electrification.
“We are proud to have the support of both Shell and The Woolmark Company and to collaborate with two like-minded partners.”