Formula E

Nissan Formula E Team returns to Rome for penultimate event of Season 9

July 12, 2023

5 min Reading

Squad aiming to benefit from qualifying pace at Italian double-header

Nissan Formula E Team will be looking to capitalize on their recent qualifying speed as the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship travels to Rome for the penultimate race weekend of the 2022/23 season.

Both Sacha Fenestraz and Norman Nato have shown strong one-lap pace in recent events, with the duo lining up second and third on the grid respectively last time out in Portland.

Now, the team is aiming to convert that qualifying pace into points as it takes on the double-header in the Italian capital, with Formula E set to visit the city for the fifth time.

Debuting on the calendar in 2018, the Circuito Cittadino dell’EUR is a driver and fans’ favorite thanks to its challenging layout. The 3.38-kilometre track features 19 corners and winds past several Roman landmarks, including the Marconi Obelisk and Palazzo dei Congressi.

Qualifying in Rome will get underway at 10:40 CEST (UTC +2) on both days, with the two races starting at 15:00 CEST. Find out how to watch here.

Tommaso Volpe, managing director and team principal, Nissan Formula E Team: “Rome is a very different circuit to Portland. It’s bumpy, low grip and has fewer high-speed corners. One lap pace is definitely our strength right now, and qualifying will be crucial here, as the track is narrower and there are less overtaking opportunities. We also have the FP0 in Rome, which will give our sim driver Luca an opportunity to get out on track at his home race and help us prepare for the event. Luca has experience with the car and he has been working a lot on this track in the simulator, so the data from this session with him will be very valuable for us.

“To be quick in Rome, we’ll need to manage the bumps well - drivers must have full confidence in the car on such a challenging circuit. We brought several updates to the last round in Portland, and we believe they will make even more of a difference on a track like Rome. We’re also expecting there to be less of an emphasis on energy saving, which will change the way we tackle the weekend."

Sacha Fenestraz

“I’m very excited to be back racing in Europe. It’s important that we have a good weekend because it’s a double header and there’s just two race events to go. I’ve not experienced the Rome track before, but everyone knows that it’s extremely bumpy and difficult, so I’m looking forward to getting in the car and hopefully achieving some positive results this weekend.”

Norman Nato

“I love the Rome layout, it’s one of the best tracks on the calendar. It’s a proper street circuit, with a bumpy layout. I’ve always had a good feeling at this venue ever since my rookie year. Over the last couple of months we’ve improved our performance in qualifying and the race, and we’re focusing on showing our pace in Rome and scoring strongly on both days.”

Luca Ghiotto

“I’m really excited to drive the Nissan E-4ORCE 04 this weekend and it will be even more special in Rome, at my home E-Prix. I’ve been looking forward to this, it’s the highlight of my year! I’ve done a lot of work in the simulator and really enjoyed the track layout, so can’t wait to get out there for real. The FP0 is a one-off session, so it will be an opportunity for teams to get more time on track and prepare for the event. I’m happy to have this opportunity to help the team this weekend.”

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