Nissan to take over e.dams Formula E programme

THE DECISION TO REPLACE RENAULT WITH NISSAN in Formula E has been agreed, Autosport has learned.

Multiple sources have confirmed to Autosport that the Renault-nissan alliance, one of the world’s biggest automotive partnerships, has green-lighted Nissan’s move into the electric single-seater series. And Mike Carcamo, the head of Nissan motorsport arm NISMO, visited the Renault e.dams team and the FIA during the Valencia pre-season test last week.

FE is without representation from a Japanese manufacturer at present, but series CEO Alejandro Agag said at Valencia that he expected that to change. Honda has expressed an interest in FE but is not planning to enter in the short-term, while Toyota has never formally registered a desire to compete.

Official confirmation from Nissan is not thought to be imminent, with an announcement at next year’s Geneva Motor Show believed to be a strong possibility.

Renault e.dams launched its 2017-18 challenger, the Z.E.17, last month at an event in Paris, likely precluding any major rebranding for this season.

The move will give Nissan a major international racing programme for the first time since axing its failed LMP1 project at the end of 2015, and will allow Renault to focus on its F1 programme. As e.dams holds the FE entry, it is expected to remain in place as the operating team. The position of lead driver Sebastien Buemi is understood to not be under threat, despite racing for Nissan’s rival Toyota in the World Endurance Championship.