Nissan Formula E Team Ready to Electrify São Paulo
The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship returns this weekend, with São Paulo hosting the opening round of Season 11 in glorious fashion.
A New Era Begins in Brazil
The Nissan Formula E Team is eager to kick off the GEN3 Evo era, a new chapter in Formula E racing that boasts faster cars, enhanced performance, and a thrilling on-track experience.
Behind the wheel is British driver Oliver Rowland, looking to build upon a standout Season 10. Rowland’s masterful driving earned him a breathtaking podium finish last year in São Paulo, secured with a last-corner double overtake that ignited the imaginations of fans worldwide.
Rowland will be joined by Norman Nato, returning to the team ready to contribute his valuable experience and driving prowess.
São Paulo: A Familiar Battling Ground
São Paulo will be hosting its third Formula E race, with the Anhembi Sambadrome – home to the world-famous Carnival of São Paulo – once again transforming into a breathtaking racetrack.
The 2.93-kilometer street circuit presents a unique challenge with 11 turns and three long straights followed by heavy braking zones. This recipe for ambiguity makes for exciting overtakes, promising nail-biting competition throughout the field.
Nissan Strengthens Botanical Ties
Nissan’s commitment to Brazil extends beyond the racetrack. The company’s presence in the country spans over two decades, and its future looks even brighter. In line with Nissan’s global Ambition 2030 plan, the company recently announced a significant expansion of its investment in Brazil, aiming to produce two new SUV models at its São Paulo facility.
Preparing for Electrifying Battles
The excitement builds as track action commences on Friday, December 15th, with qualifying taking place on Saturday at 09:40 (UTC-3) in preparation for the highly awaited race scheduled for 14:00 (UTC-3).
Team Principal Tommaso Volpe shares his Perspective:
“Testing with the GEN3 Evo car was intense but we learned a lot, especially about the new tires and the all-wheel drive system. We’ve worked hard in the past few months and can’t wait to be back on track.”
“Brazil is an important market for Nissan, and we have very good memories from our last visit here, with Oli earning us a podium with his stunning last corner double overtake. The São Paulo circuit is very particular, not like many others on the calendar – the layout is high speed, with hard braking and low grip, so it will be a challenge to start the campaign there, especially with the new cars. However, we’re ready and we will aim to start Season 11 in the same way we finished Season 10.”
Looking Ahead to the Race
Oliver Rowland reflects on his preparations:
“Since pre-season testing in Madrid it’s all been about optimizing the car to ensure the best possible performance this weekend. The different tires have been a key talking point throughout testing and in the lead up to the first event, but I’m confident that we can execute our plan well.”
“We didn’t have the strongest qualifying here last time, but showed excellent pace during the race to make our way onto the podium. I feel confident coming into the weekend, even though it’s not the type of track I normally excel on. If we can qualify well, I think I will be in a strong position to deliver a great result for the team.”
Norman Nato expresses his anticipation for the challenge:
“It’s going to feel strange starting a new season in December but, of course, I’m looking forward to it! I enjoy the track and the venue, and although I’ve not had the best of luck there in the past, I’m confident I can perform strongly. Testing in Madrid went well but it’s always very different in race conditions, so it will be good to see where we stack up against our competitors. We’ve been working hard to be as ready as we can for São Paulo, trying to understand the new tires, fine tuning set-up for qualifying and races, and tweaking strategies. We will learn much more when we hit the track in Brazil, so I can’t wait to be out there and kick off the season.”
Sérgio Sette Câmara, Reserve and Simulator Driver, is excited about the homecoming:
“It’s great to see São Paulo hosting the opening round of the championship, which is a home E-Prix for me! Brazil is such a massive market and has
How are Nissan drivers Oliver Rowland and Norman Nato preparing for the São Paulo race?
## The Electric Buzz: Nissan Gears Up for Formula E Season 11 Opener in São Paulo
**Today we’re joined by Tommaso Volpe, Team Principal of the Nissan Formula E team, to talk about the upcoming race in São Paulo. Tommaso, welcome.**
**Tommaso Volpe:** Thanks for having me. We’re excited to be back in São Paulo.
**This is a big year, marking the start of a new era for Formula E with the GEN3 Evo car. What are your expectations for the season opener?**
**Tommaso Volpe:** The GEN3 Evo cars are definitely a step up in performance and excitement. [[1](https://www.drivespark.com/four-wheelers/2024/formula-e-season-11-sao-paulo-opener-preview-011-62575.html)]Testing has been intense but fruitful, especially learning about the new tires and all-wheel drive system. São Paulo is a unique track with a challenging layout: high speed, hard braking, and low grip. It’s a good test of both the car and the drivers, especially with these new machines. We’re ready for the challenge and aim to start Season 11 strong.
**You have a strong driver lineup with Oliver Rowland and Norman Nato. How are they shaping up for this race?**
**Tommaso Volpe:** Both Oliver and Norman are feeling confident. Oli had an amazing podium finish here last year with that incredible last-corner overtake, so he’s eager to repeat that success. Norman brings valuable experience and will be a key asset to the team.
**Beyond the racetrack, Nissan has deep roots in Brazil. Can you tell us about the company’s commitment to the region?**
**Tommaso Volpe:** Brazil is a very important market for Nissan, and our commitment extends far beyond the racetrack. We’ve been present here for over two decades, and our investment is only growing. We recently announced plans to produce two new SUV models at our São Paulo facility, which highlights our dedication to the Brazilian market and its future.
**Thanks for giving us these insights, Tommaso. We wish you and the Nissan team the best of luck in São Paulo!**
**Tommaso Volpe:** Thank you. We’re looking forward to an electrifying race weekend.
