Nissan Formula E Team is primed for the second round of the 2024/25 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship this weekend at the Mexico City E-Prix.
Following the opening event in São Paulo, which saw the squad fight at the front with both Oliver Rowland and Norman Nato demonstrating excellent speed throughout the weekend, the duo is set to get back to work in the motorsport-loving nation.
Having debuted in Season 2, the Mexico City E-Prix is a recurring fixture in the Formula E calendar, being held every year at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodriguez apart from 2021. The event presents a rare challenge to all involved, being situated 2,250 meters above sea level, the highest altitude circuit Formula E travels to on the 2024/25 calendar.
One of the most visited tracks in Formula E history, the venue offers a unique experience, with the stunning stadium section engulfing the cars in crowd cheers as they navigate their way through the tricky Turns 13-18, before being launched onto the long start/finish straight.
Nissan has a rich history in Mexico, having operated there for more than 60 years. The company established its first manufacturing plant outside Japan in the country back in 1966. Over 14 million vehicles have been produced in Mexico, with more than 15 million engines also being made, for both local and international markets. The company sold more than 240,000 cars in the country in 2023, equaling a huge 17.7% of the market share, more than any other brand.
Track action begins on Friday at 17:00 (UTC-6), with qualifying at 09:40 on Saturday ahead of the race at 14:00.
Tommaso Volpe, managing director and team principal, Nissan Formula E Team: “The team is raring to go and ready to bounce back after Brazil. Mexico is a massive market for Nissan, with four of the top-10 best selling cars being Nissan models. The brand has been the leading car manufacturer in the country for 16 years, so we’re excited to get out there! The new all-wheel drive will be very interesting around this track, and we’re confident that we can achieve a strong weekend after the performance and the great pace we showed in pre-season testing and especially in São Paulo. We’re proud to be the favorite team amongst the Mexican Formula E fans and we’re ready to give it our best shot, put on a great show, and bring back home some good points.”
Oliver Rowland, driver, Nissan Formula E Team: “I can’t wait to hit the track in Mexico City after the break, it’s a circuit I know well and I’m confident that we can perform here. We showed plenty of promise in São Paulo, and now we will be focusing on not making any mistakes and turning our potential into strong points. Our objective will be to find the right set-up in practice, allowing us to qualify well and start the race from the front. Energy management is usually a challenge at this track, but we have made significant steps on this side during the off-season, so I’m feeling good ahead of the weekend.”
Norman Nato, driver, Nissan Formula E Team: “I really love racing in Mexico, so I am very much looking forward to this weekend. The people are amazing and Nissan Formula E Team is the most popular squad with the Mexican fans, so it is always a special experience and it makes us even more eager to deliver a great race. Since Brazil, it’s been important to mentally and physically recharge, but we’ve also done a very thorough job back at the factory to ensure that we start 2025 on the front foot. We’re ready to go and this time we’ll be looking to turn the performance into a strong result.”
Sérgio Sette Câmara, reserve and simulator driver, Nissan Formula E Team: “Mexico is always one of the most anticipated races of the season, the atmosphere in the city is very welcoming and the crowd creates an incredible noise. The track itself is an exciting prospect, with plenty of long, fast corners, including the famous Peraltada at the end of the lap. With the new all-wheel drive GEN3 Evo cars, it’s going to be awesome to see the field exit the final corner at full speed onto the pit straight! The altitude will also provide a challenge. It will be different to other series because Formula E does not rely on air intake, but the team will need to make sure they get the right set-up to deal with the reduced drag and downforce. The venue usually produces great racing and entertainment for the fans on site and at home, so I’m really looking forward to this one.”
