Nissan Formula E Team Secures Podium Finish in First-Ever Jeddah E-Prix

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia – In a thrilling display at the inaugural Jeddah E-Prix, Nissan Formula E Team managed to secure its second podium finish of the 2024/25 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, thanks to a strong performance by Oliver Rowland.

Rowland secures a crucial second-place

During qualifying, Oliver Rowland demonstrated his skill once again by reaching the semi-finals of the Duels, securing third place on the grid. Teammate Norman Nato, narrowly missing out on the top four, started from P12.

Rowland got off to a dynamic start, ascending into second place by the end of the first lap. Seizing the opportunity on lap 11, he briefly took the lead. The inclusion of Pit Boost in the race introduced an added layer of complexity, but the Nissan team executed it flawlessly, allowing Rowland to maintain his position at the top.

Despite his admirable performance, Rowland was forced to conserve energy in the final corners, resulting in a second-place finish rather than a victory. Nevertheless, this performance solidified his standing as leader in the Drivers’ Championship.

NATO’s challenge

Norman Nato, starting from position 12, put in a strong effort by rising into the points-paying positions. Unfortunately, a technical issue involving tire pressures led to a drive-through penalty, reducing his final position to 20th place. Despite this setback, his resilience and determination were commendable.

Team’s overall performance and standings

The Nissan Formula E Team’s effort has moved them to fourth place in the Teams’ Standings. Additionally, their strategic partnership with NEOM McLaren Formula E Team, which secured a podium finish, propelled Nissan to the top of the Manufacturers’ Championship.

Upcoming Action

Action in Jeddah continues tomorrow with qualifying starting at 15:20 (UTC+3), followed by the race at 20:05. Both Rowland and Nato will look to build on their performances and secure more points for the Nissan Formula E Team.

Closing statement from management

“It’s great to score a podium at the home race of our innovation partner Electromin, and to continue showcasing our performance and fighting at the top, which sees us leading the Drivers’ and Manufacturers’ Standings,” stated Tommaso Volpe, managing director and team principal of Nissan Formula E Team. “Oli drove superbly throughout the race and only narrowly missed out on the win. Unfortunately, on Norman’s side, we made a mistake with the tire pressures, meaning he received a drive-through-penalty which ruined his race. Pit Boost provided an additional challenge, but we managed it well and I’m very proud with all the preparation that the team did and how well they executed it.”

Oliver Rowland’s perspective

Rowland echoed the team’s optimism, saying, “I’m pleased to score more valuable points and to pick up a podium, even though it’s never easy to lose the win on the last corner. We just ran low on energy towards the end and had to make sure that I made it to the line to claim those strong points. It was a unique event for Formula E, we were almost flat out the whole race and the field was quite spread, which I enjoyed. It’s great to take the lead of the Drivers’ Championship, but I know that it’s all about delivering consistently which I’ll look to continue doing.”

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