Formula E

Nissan Formula E Team to tackle the heat in Jakarta

May 31, 2023

5 min Reading

Conditions set to pose a unique challenge for Gen3 cars in double-header

Nissan Formula E Team is set to take on the Jakarta E-Prix this weekend, looking to build on a positive performance in Monaco. The squad picked up its best result of the season on the Monte-Carlo streets, with both Sacha Fenestraz and Norman Nato in the top-three in qualifying, before Fenestraz claimed fourth in the race.

The championship now returns to Jakarta following its maiden visit to the city in Season 8. This year, the event becomes a double-header, with teams and drivers to be battling the tough conditions in two races. With temperatures in excess of 30 degrees Celsius and extremely high humidity, the new-for-Season 9 Gen3 cars will face a unique test on the Formula E calendar.

The 2.4-kilometre circuit, based in Northern Jakarta and a short walk from Ancol Beach, features 18 corners, with the best overtaking opportunities into Turns 1 and 16. Those heavy braking zones and the twisty, high-speed middle sector combine to produce a layout that tests driver and car throughout.

Qualifying takes place at 10:40 WIB (UTC +7) on both days, with the two races getting underway at 15:00. Find out how to watch here.

Tommaso Volpe, managing director and team principal, Nissan Formula E Team: “We’ve been working hard since Monaco to give us the best possible chance to build on our performance and continue to build momentum, which has been a challenge for us this year. We definitely made big improvements ahead of the last round, so we’ve been aiming to consolidate that and continue our development. Jakarta will be tough for all the teams mainly because of the conditions. It’s hot and humid and tough for the drivers during the races. Because of this, we’re focusing on finding the best possible set-up to help the car stay cool and to look after the tires. Our goal for the remainder of the season is to find some more consistency and to be able to fight with both cars in the points. Jakarta will be a challenge, but it’s one we’re ready for.”

Sacha Fenestraz

Sacha Fenestraz: “The hottest race of the year, everybody has been telling me how tough it will be! On the racing side, I’m very excited, following our best weekend of the season in Monaco. Heading to Jakarta, we are happy and in a good position in terms of the team environment. We’ll be looking to back up our performance from Monaco and prove it wasn’t a one-off, so it’s an important event for us. The track looks interesting, similar to Monaco or Cape Town in terms of some of the corners and the track characteristics, so I’m hoping for a great weekend.”

Norman Nato

Norman Nato: “I’m excited to race in Jakarta, a new venue for me. It will be really tough physically for the teams and drivers with the high temperatures. We’ll look to build on the promise we showed in Monaco, and hopefully be able to put both cars in the points. To be second and third in qualifying was an incredible achievement, but we have to always look to improve and continue the momentum. This weekend we need to take that promise and convert it into two strong races to get the second half of the season off to a great start.”

Formula E