Nissan Formula E Team tops both sessions in Berlin Rookie Test

Minì impresses by setting the fastest time as Pulling shows solid pace

Nissan Formula E Team enjoyed a positive Rookie Test in Berlin as Formula 2 racer Gabriele Minì topped the timesheets both in the morning and afternoon during today’s test. Abbi Pulling continued her work with the Japanese outfit in her new role as rookie and simulator driver, showing good pace and improving on all aspects of her program.

For Pulling this was her second time in the Nissan e-4ORCE 05 this season, after securing the fastest time in the all-women’s test in Madrid last November. The Brit managed 98 laps over the course of the two three-hour long sessions around the Tempelhof Airport Street Circuit. She successfully completed all elements of the team’s ambitious program for the day as well as improving on her individual sectors, finishing the day just over a second from first. 

On the other side of the garage, Minì was also stepping into the Nissan e-4ORCE 05 for the second time this campaign, looking to continue the impressive form he showed in FP0 in Jeddah, where he came second. Participating in his second Berlin Rookie Test and his third event with the squad, the Italian finished both sessions quickest, setting the overall fastest time of the whole Berlin E-Prix weekend and recording 97 laps across the day.

The goal throughout the Rookie Test was for the drivers to gain as much data as possible, with a focus on all elements of a Formula E weekend. Both drivers undertook multiple race simulation programs as well as carrying out qualifying runs in both 300 and 350kW power, while also testing several different set-up options.

Tommaso Volpe, team principal and managing director, Nissan Formula E Team: “We’re very happy with how the day went, we set several objectives for the test and both drivers followed our ambitious plan well and delivered what we needed. It was Gabriele’s third test with us - he showed excellent pace and dominated both sessions all day. We were expecting him to be fast given his previous performances with us, but I must say that the times he set to top both sessions were very impressive. Abbi was feeling unwell today which is very unfortunate. She still completed the program at the highest level and delivered good results, improving as the day went on while battling through the illness to show why she’s a top driver. She took her time to build her performance and wasn’t too far behind Gabriele, which is really positive. It was a great experience for them and also for our engineers, as we not only tested several set-ups throughout the day but also had some of our younger engineers onsite gaining experience in new roles alongside our regular trackside crew. Both Gabriele and Abbi had plenty of track time and were able to give us good feedback, which we will use both in London and moving forward into next season.”