The Nissan Formula E Team is set to tackle the Shanghai International Circuit for the first time this weekend, participating in Rounds 11 and 12 of the 2023/24 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. With Season 10 approaching its final stretch, the team enters the competition in high spirits following impressive performances in Berlin.
In Berlin, Oliver Rowland showcased remarkable driving skills, advancing from P15 and P16 on the grid to secure two podium finishes. This brought his personal tally to six for the season, positioning him third in the World Championship standings as the team heads to China for the double-header event.
Teammate Sacha Fenestraz has also displayed strong performances recently, scoring points in four of the last five races and demonstrating positive pace.
China, which first hosted an E-Prix around the Bird’s Nest Olympic Stadium in Beijing in 2015, last welcomed the series five years ago in Sanya. Notably, Rowland secured pole position and finished second in that race, marking his first-ever Formula E podium.
This weekend’s venue, best known as the host of the Chinese Grand Prix, features a modified layout tailored for Formula E. The 12-corner circuit includes the technical looping first turn that tightens into a challenging complex from Turns 2 to 4. The heavy braking zones at Turns 6 and 10 are expected to provide prime overtaking opportunities.
Track action begins with FP1 on Friday, followed by qualifying at 10:20 (UTC+8) and the E-Prix at 15:00 (UTC+8) on both Saturday and Sunday.
Tommaso Volpe, Managing Director and Team Principal of Nissan Formula E Team, reflected on the team’s performance: “Berlin was another strong event in terms of race pace and how effectively our drivers managed to come through the field into the top-10. We’re delighted for Oliver to pick up another two podiums, and it was a positive weekend for Sacha, adding more well-deserved points to his tally. This weekend’s event in Shanghai is going to be challenging for everyone, as it’s a new venue for Formula E. We’re in good spirits after our strong results this year but we know that we still have a lot to improve, so we will look to carry that mentality and focus into this double-header.”
Oliver Rowland expressed optimism: “I’m happy with the way I’m racing right now. Berlin was strong for us with the double podium, and while we’re pleased with our championship position, we’re taking it race-by-race. Shanghai is set to be a completely different type of circuit to what we faced in Berlin, so my goal is to get myself and the car in a slightly better window in qualifying to get us further up the grid. The gaps at the front are so small, any improvement will be a huge help. The track looks to have high-speed corners and we’ll aim to execute our strategy and score two more positive results.”
Sacha Fenestraz is also looking forward to the challenge: “We showed good speed in Berlin and proved that strong points are a huge possibility. I continued to make progress on my side with energy management, particularly in these peloton-style races, which we are expecting once again in Shanghai. As a team, we’ve been working on improving in qualifying, getting the tires in the right window to be back in the Duels on a regular basis. I’m looking forward to taking on a brand-new venue and can’t wait to be back in the car!”
The Nissan Formula E Team aims to build on their recent successes as they navigate the unfamiliar terrain of the Shanghai International Circuit, with hopes of securing further podium finishes and solidifying their standing in the championship.
