Nissan Formula E Team secured its first podium finish of the 2022/23 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship at the Rome E-Prix, with Norman Nato securing an excellent second place in Round 14.
Having put in a strong qualifying performance to start the 24-lap event third, the Frenchman moved into second place early in the race and kept up a competitive pace throughout, showing some great defensive driving in the final laps to claim the podium. On Saturday, Nato was caught out in qualifying by a late red flag which spoilt his final push lap, meaning he would start in the middle of the pack. An impressive fightback following the red flag midway through the race saw him move up to seventh, scoring six points.
Sacha Fenestraz qualified well for Round 13 with third, before a quick start saw him move into the lead of the race, which he would hold for several laps. Unfortunately, after a long red flag interruption, confusion over the length of the race caused the Franco-Argentine to overconsume energy, forcing him to begin saving and dropping down the order, eventually finishing in 10th. On Sunday, an electrical problem in one of the common parts prevented Fenestraz from participating in Free Practice 3 and qualifying, while a technical issue in the race forced a pit stop, finally crossing the line in 16th.
Formula E returns for the final event of Season 9 in two weeks’ time, when the series heads to London for Rounds 15 and 16.