Sport

Nissan in Formula E move, plus latest news

NISSAN will become the first Japanese car manufacturer to enter Formula E when it takes over from its Alliance partner Renault in the electric single-seater racing series at the start of the 2018-19 season.

Commenting on Nissan’s announcement, Formula E CEO Alejandro Agag said: “To have a name like Nissan coming on board is a momentous day for the series.

“Not only is it great to welcome a new manufacturer to the Formula E family, it’s great to see our first Japanese car maker entering the frame, showing truly how global the electric revolution is.”

Daniele Schillaci, Nissan’s executive vicepresident of global marketing and sales for zero-emission vehicles, added: “[Formula E] will give us a global platform for bringing our pioneering Intelligent Mobility strategy to a new generation of racing fans.

“Nissan’s DNA is rich in innovation in electric mobility, not to mention a long history of success in motorsports. It makes sense that we bring these two core elements together by competing in Formula E.”

Nissan’s arrival will bring to an end Renault’s highly successful Formula E run: the French brand has been the team champion in each of Formula E’s three seasons so far. The Japanese marque will partner with the Alain Prost-run e.dams squad that currently operates Renault’s entry, while the French firm’s motorsport arm will turn its full focus to Formula One.

“We had an incredible championship run during our first three years in Formula E and look forward to a competitive fourth season,” said Thierry Koskas, Renault’s executive vice-president for sales and marketing.

“We have learned a tremendous amount about high-performance electric vehicles and energy management that directly benefits our EV customers. After season four, we will focus resources on our aggressive goals for Formula One and we look forward to continuing to gain benefits from motorsport racing across the Alliance with Nissan.” Renault e.dams’ current drivers, season-two champion Sebastien Buemi and Nicolas Prost, have long-term contracts, but it’s believed Nissan is likely to want factory drivers from other racing disciplines to move across to Formula E.

CHANGE Daniele Schillaci (top) announces Nissan’s entry into Formula E, which was welcomed by Alejandro Agag (left). Renault (right) will focus on Formula One