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A podium might have felt like it was a long time coming for Norman Nato, but the Andretti driver was finally able to celebrate with his own piece of silverware in China when he finished third in Round 12. The Frenchman joined the American team at the start of Season 10, alongside reigning World Champion Jake Dennis, but until this weekend had a best result of sixth.
However, his luck turned around, and in an emotional scene was able to stand among the top three to join TAG Heuer Porsche’s Antonio Felix da Costa and NEOM McLaren’s Jake Hughes on the podium.
Despite the team having success on the other side of the garage with Dennis, including a victory in Diriyah and another three podiums this year, Norman Nato has finally had his breakthrough moment with Andretti.
“It feels good,” Nato jested. “So far this season, every time we try to do something which looks correct, there was something like a small issue.
“It has been a long time since I had a season where nothing wanted to come together. It’s not even pace wise. Then today, for some reason, we didn't change anything. We just tried and tried and didn't give up. Honestly, it feels good after all the hard work. This is a new team for me, also we are fighting for the Teams’ World Championship so it's very good points.”
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It’s Nato’s first podium since Rome last year when he was racing with the Nissan Formula E team.
Asked whether he knew a podium was on the cards going into race day, he replied “every race weekend it's possible [to get podiums], it's Formula E.”
Nato has been on a roll since Berlin, getting into the Duels on three consecutive occasions.
“Every season I have done Formula E, I have gotten at least a podium or a win,” Nato continued. “I already proved what I'm able to do. Today it was a really smart race from Antonio and Jake as well. We kind of worked all together which made our life easier, compared to when you are in the pack and it's not really under control. It's not really your race.
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“It was really important to recreate a good dynamic and a good spirit with everyone, and now we are running towards the end of the season, so points are really important if you want to fight. I'm really pleased because today it's my turn to score points for the team.”
Next up is the team’s home race in Portland. We raced there last year, and the races were packed with action, so Nato hopes the team can build on the momentum.
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“For Portland, we're predicting it to be similar [to Shanghai] in terms of energy saving races, so strategy will be really important.”