The Nissan Formula E Team is set to face the ExCel London Circuit in Rounds 15 and 16 of the 2023/24 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, the final two races of the campaign.
The squad currently sits fifth in the Teams’ Championship, and is in the battle for third as Season 10 reaches its close.
Oliver Rowland has enjoyed a strong year on his return to the team, and will make a comeback following the illness that ruled him out of the Portland double-header. The Brit is targeting a positive end to the campaign in front of his home fans in East London.
On the other side of the garage, Sacha Fenestraz will be looking to end his second year with the team strongly by returning to the points.
The 2.09-kilometre track is the only half-indoor, half-outdoor circuit on the Formula E calendar, weaving through the ExCel exhibition centre, and around the historic Royal Victoria Docks. Overtaking is likely into Turn 1, as well as in the outside section into the Turn 10-11 chicane, before coming back inside at Turn 16.
Formula E’s trip to the UK celebrates another country that Nissan has a great working relationship with, as Nissan Motor Manufacturing UK was founded back in 1984, with production starting two years later.
Situated in Sunderland, the plant employs around 6,000 people and builds more than 300,000 cars per year. As part of its EV36Zero plan, the plant announced it will build three electric cars – the LEAF, Qashqai and Juke – in the coming years and create a blueprint for the future of automotive manufacturing.
Tricky and technical
Tommaso Volpe, managing director and team principal of the Nissan Formula E Team, said: “We’re ready to give it everything we’ve got in London in our attempt to claim third place in the Teams’ Championship. It’s a very tricky and technical circuit which can be made even more difficult if it rains, considering the semi-indoor layout.
”The surfaces also vary, with the smooth track inside giving way to the abrasive roads outside, meaning drivers have to adapt their style twice each lap.
“We’re pleased to welcome Oli back this weekend, and he will be fighting for a potential top-three finish in the Drivers’ Championship as well.”
Oliver Rowland said: “I’m delighted to be back after missing the last round in Portland. I’m feeling much better and ready to take on the final round. It’s been a positive season with a win, several podiums and a couple of pole positions too, so I’ll be looking to add to this in London.”
Fellow driver Sacha Fenestraz said: “My target for the weekend is to end the season on a positive note after a campaign filled with ups and downs. London is one of the most challenging tracks of the year.
”It’s a very technical circuit mixed in with the changing surfaces and conditions from the unique inside/outside circuit layout. We’ve been in the simulator working hard ahead of the finale to ensure we have a good chance of scoring strong points and helping the squad in the Teams’ Championship.”