Nissan Formula E Team enters the 2025/26 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship with a focus on capitalizing on pre-season testing gains from Valencia. The season opener at São Paulo’s Anhembi Sambadrome circuit presents a 2.93-kilometer layout with high-speed sections and key overtaking zones. Defending Drivers’ Champion Oliver Rowland and teammate Norman Nato aim to convert past pace into points, navigating a tighter field under GEN3 Evo regulations.
Highlights
- Circuit Changes: One lap shorter than 2024, reducing energy management demands while emphasizing speed and braking.
- Driver Lineup: Rowland, with seven Season 11 podiums, pairs with Nato for a balanced attack on bumpy terrain.
- Schedule Details: Free Practice 1 on Friday at 16:30 local time; race starts Saturday at 14:05 UTC-3.
- Team Readiness: New Dynisma simulator enhances setup; Valencia testing topped timesheets on final day.
Circuit Characteristics
The Anhembi Sambadrome track, hosting Formula E for the fourth time, integrates the São Paulo Carnival site along its main straight. This 2.93-kilometer circuit features bumpy surfaces and high-speed straights, demanding precise control in heavy braking zones.
Key Challenges and Opportunities
- Overtaking Zones: Primary chances at Turns 1, 4, and 7 after long straights; Turn 10 requires aggressive braking for additional passes.
- Technical Demands: Minimal grip and hot weather complicate tire and temperature management; shorter race length prioritizes outright pace over conservation.
- Historical Performance: Rowland secured a podium in 2023/24; both drivers led early in December 2024 before penalties impacted results.
Team and Driver Perspectives
Preparation and Expectations
Tommaso Volpe, Nissan Formula E managing director, emphasized simulator advancements and procedural refinements post-Valencia. The team targets error-free execution amid increased competition from GEN3 Evo familiarity across the grid.
Driver Quotes
- Oliver Rowland: “Managing temperatures in hot weather is crucial. I led much of last year’s race and aim to fight at the front again.”
- Norman Nato: “We topped timesheets on testing’s final day. A strong start builds team confidence; we’ll leverage last season’s pace here.”
- Sam Bird (Reserve Driver): “Braking and traction are key. The track enables unpredictable racing, from lead retention to back-to-front wins.”
Nissan’s Formula E Commitment
Nissan debuted in Season 5 (2018/19) as the sole Japanese entrant, acquiring e.dams in 2022 for full ownership. The manufacturer extended to GEN4 through 2030 in March 2024, aligning with Ambition 2030 electrification goals.
Season 11 Achievements
- Rowland claimed the Drivers’ title with four wins, seven podiums, and three poles, securing it two races early.
- Focus: Transfer racetrack innovations to road EVs, targeting carbon neutrality by 2050 and full electrification by early 2030s in key markets.
For more details, visit Global.NissanNews.com/FormulaEPressKit, Nissan Global Newsroom, and Nismo.com.
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