Nissan Formula E Team Secures Points in Shanghai E-Prix

The Nissan Formula E Team navigated a difficult weekend at the Shanghai International Circuit, managing to secure points in Rounds 12 and 13 of the 2025/26 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. Driver Oliver Rowland finished eighth in Sunday's E-Prix, contributing to the team's championship standing despite the challenging conditions.

Adverse weather, including significant rain, prompted race organizers to move both Saturday and Sunday's timetables forward by three hours, requiring early starts for all teams and drivers.

Round 12: A Challenging Start

Saturday's race, Round 12, proved particularly tough for the Nissan team. Oliver Rowland qualified 13th and, despite making strong early progress into the top five in dry conditions, struggled as the rain intensified during the latter half of the race, ultimately finishing 13th.

Teammate Norman Nato faced significant hurdles, starting from the back of the grid due to a 60-place penalty incurred from multiple component changes following incidents in Monaco and Sanya. He also received a 10-second stop-and-go penalty early in the race. A pit stop issue further hampered his efforts, causing him to rejoin in traffic and finish 20th.

Round 13: Strategic Recovery

Following overnight adjustments, the team faced similar wet conditions on Sunday. Oliver Rowland showed improved pace in qualifying, advancing to the semi-final stage of the Duels and securing fourth position on the grid. Norman Nato also reached the Duels but was later disqualified from the session for a minor technical infringement, forcing him to start from the back again.

For Sunday's race, the team initially opted for a full wet set-up for both cars. As the track began to dry faster than anticipated, Rowland, who was running outside the points, made a strategic decision to pit under a late full course yellow to change to dry-pressure tires. This bold move paid off, allowing him to gain six positions on the final lap and finish eighth, also securing an extra point for the fastest lap. Nato, despite a strong start, found it difficult to advance with his wet set-up on the drying surface, finishing 17th after a full course yellow interrupted his final Attack Mode.

Team Outlook and Future Focus

Tommaso Volpe, managing director and team principal for the Nissan Formula E Team, acknowledged the difficulties of the weekend but highlighted Rowland's recovery on Sunday. He noted that while the team did not maximize its performance, Rowland remains in a strong position in the Drivers’ Championship with four races remaining.

Both Rowland and Nato expressed frustration with the weekend's challenges but remained optimistic about the upcoming races. The team's focus now shifts to its home race weekend in Tokyo, scheduled for July 24-26, where they aim for improved results.

The Nissan Formula E Team continues its campaign in the 2025/26 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, with Oliver Rowland maintaining a competitive stance in the Drivers' Championship. The team will look to leverage its strategic insights and driver talent at the upcoming Tokyo E-Prix to further improve its standing.