Formula E

Nissan Formula E Team looks to maximize potential at Berlin E-Prix

April 19, 2023

5 min Reading

Norman Nato racing for Nissan Formula E Team

Double-header and Rookie Test to make up busy first European visit of Season 9

Nissan Formula E Team heads to Berlin this weekend for Rounds 7 and 8 of the 2022/23 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, with Norman Nato and Sacha Fenestraz set to tackle the second double-header of Season 9.

Having hosted more E-Prix than any other venue, the 2.355-kilometre Tempelhof Airport Circuit is a staple of the Formula E calendar and has utilized a variety of layouts. Most recently, it has been used in both directions for its double-header, although this year only the anti-clockwise variation will be raced on.

The circuit, which features a Douglas DC-3 aircraft on the inside of Turn 6, is challenging due to its abrasive surface, putting an even greater emphasis on energy and tire management.

Both Nissan and Nato have had success at the track, winning in 2020 and 2021 respectively, while rookie Fenestraz will be making his Berlin bow this weekend.

Qualifying gets underway at 10:40 CEST (UTC +2), while the races start at 15:00 CEST. Find out how to watch here.

Following the double-header, the team will remain in Berlin for the Rookie Test on Monday 24 April, with Luca Ghiotto and Victor Martins set to drive for Nissan Formula E Team.

Sacha Fenestraz on track for Nissan Formula E Team

Tommaso Volpe, managing director and team principal, Nissan Formula E Team: “Despite this weekend being a double-header, we have to approach it the same way as any other and work on fine-tuning the set-up so that we can compete towards the sharp end across both races. This year, that job is made slightly easier because both races are being run in the same direction, unlike in 2022. The track surface in Berlin presents a massive challenge as it’s high-grip, which can overheat the tyres, so we have to try to avoid that in the race. There are a lot of overtaking opportunities at Tempelhof too, so that should make it a good spectacle for the fans. Nissan has performed well here in the past, and that motivates the entire squad as we all want to fight for the podium.

“We also have a really talented line-up for the rookie test. Luca has been testing in our simulator for a while now and will be with the team in Berlin, so it’ll be helpful for him in his new role to get some track time. Victor was also at the factory recently, he has a really high potential as a driver and I’m looking forward to seeing him hit the track.”

Sacha Fenestraz

“It’s the first double header since Diriyah, so it will be good to get plenty of time on track. It’s going to be my debut at the Berlin circuit, so I’m excited to compare my development to the rest of the field, as most drivers already know the track. I’m feeling very motivated, we’re coming off a difficult weekend in São Paulo and the whole team has been pushing since then. I’ve spent plenty of time in the simulator, the Tempelhof circuit looks really fun, with lots of overtaking opportunities. Qualifying will be crucial, as will energy management because there’s a lot of straights. The first part of the season has been positive, despite a lot of ups and downs, but we’ve been learning at each round so I’m looking forward to attacking the Berlin weekend.”

Norman Nato

“Coming to Berlin is always special for me. I took my first ever E-Prix here, so naturally I have very fond memories of the city and the track. The whole team knows that this weekend is a big opportunity due to the double-header. The Tempelhof circuit is tricky and puts an emphasis on tire management due to its surface. The racing line is often narrow due to the amount of marbles produced, so we’ll have to be careful not to be caught out. The aim is to fight for the podium this weekend, improving in qualifying will be vital to those chances, but the potential is there.”

Formula E