Another day and another new livery! Nissan has made the decision to stick with its stunning and popular cherry blossom livery, which has been a fan-favorite ever since it debuted at the start of Season 9. The pattern is meaningful for the outfit, both as a hint to its Japanese DNA and new beginnings, as well as now being part of Nissan’s identity in Formula E.
The Japanese team will be looking to build on a strong Season 10, which saw it finish fourth in the Teams’ and Drivers’ World Championships, as well as third in the newly-established Manufacturers’ Trophy.
New livery, new teammate for Oliver Rowland
Norman Nato returns after a season away from the squad. Together with Rowland, who took two victories and five further podiums in an excellent Season 10 in which he challenged for the Drivers' title, the outfit now boasts two Formula E race winners with Sacha Fenestraz leaving at the end of the last campaign.
The team feels both its drivers possess the knowledge of how to get the most out of their machinery and have a proven track record of helping teams develop their cars. Nato will continue to sport the #17 on his Nissan e-4ORCE 05, while Rowland switches to Nissan’s traditional #23.
“I’m delighted to be back with team and I already feel comfortable straight away with the car, simulator and staff," says Nato. "The biggest change has been the excellent new workshop, allowing us to prepare and debrief from races in amazing conditions, with the highest level equipment available to us.
"The updated livery is really cool, keeping our Japanese identity and the fans love it, making us so recognizable on-track. I can’t wait to start this GEN3 Evo era in Valencia testing, before heading out to Brazil for the season opener!”
“It’s been good to re-charge after a busy year, but I’ve still been preparing for Season 11, making sure I’m in good shape both physically and mentally," says Yorkshireman Rowland. "It’s great to have the new workshop fully in action, I’ve been really impressed by the facilities.
"The location is ideal and it sets a high bar for ourselves, showing our ambition to continue improving and fighting at the front. There are a few areas to get on top of with the GEN3 Evo, including the all-wheel drive technology, but we’ll look to iron everything out and be ready to take up the fight from the first race.”
Nissan's fresh factory
The team's all-new factory is also fully operational ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.
Nissan's dedicated facility stretches over 2,600 square meters and features a workshop area, simulator, engineering and management offices, as well as display, meeting and multipurpose areas. Located south of Paris, the headquarters is based close to other Nissan sites and its Alliance partners, ensuring synergies and access to talent, equipment and facilities available within Nissan and the group.
Tommaso Volpe, Managing Director and Team Principal, Nissan Formula E said: “We’re excited for the new season and have been working hard, getting to grips with the GEN3 Evo car. Everything has been running smoothly so far and we’re looking forward to getting out on track in Valencia.
"Our new workshop is fully operational now, which is making a huge difference - we’ve been able to take full advantage of the facilities, allowing us to maximize the potential of the team. In terms of drivers, Norman has settled in very quickly, he knew most of the crew already so that made things easier than normal.
"Together with Oli, we’re confident that we have a strong line-up ready to fight for wins and podiums throughout the upcoming campaign. On top of that, we’ve got great companies supporting us, with Electromin extending and increasing its collaboration with the team to become our main partner, alongside existing relationships with Coral and Coral Eyewear, who we are delighted to be working with.
"We’re fully focused on improving at every step and continuing where we left off a few months ago, as we aim to challenge at the top in Season 11.”