Nissan Formula E Team Scores Strong Double Points Finish in Challenging Shanghai Weekend

The Nissan Formula E Team showed determination and performance in a testing double-header at the Shanghai International Circuit, securing valuable points and holding firm in the championship battles.

Despite unpredictable weather and tough conditions, Oliver Rowland and Norman Nato delivered a strong showing on Saturday, with both drivers finishing inside the top six. Although Sunday’s race was marred by heavy rain, Nissan continues to lead in the Drivers’ and Manufacturers’ Championships, and sits just one point off the top in the Teams’ standings.

Saturday: Double Points Success in Round 10

Kicking off the weekend with a difficult practice session, the team quickly turned things around. Rowland, currently leading the Drivers’ Championship, once again reached the Duels in qualifying—his eighth time in nine sessions—earning a sixth-place start. Nato lined up 15th.

From the very first lap, Rowland launched himself into the front group, rising to second place through the opening corners. Energy efficiency was critical in this “peloton-style” race, where drivers regularly swapped positions to conserve power. After a brief contact incident on Lap 6, Rowland rejoined the battle and timed his Pit Boost stop perfectly, emerging in podium contention. He ultimately crossed the line a solid fifth.

Nato’s strategy also paid off. Saving more energy than any other driver, he climbed the field after his Pit Boost and joined the fight for the front positions late in the race, eventually finishing just behind Rowland in sixth — a strong double points finish for the team.

Sunday: Torrential Rain Challenges the Field

Conditions worsened dramatically for Sunday’s Round 11. Torrential rain hit the track, curtailing practice and hampering qualifying. Both drivers struggled as the rain intensified—Rowland qualified 15th and Nato 21st.

With the race starting behind the Safety Car, the soaked circuit made overtaking nearly impossible. Despite their efforts, Rowland and Nato were unable to break into the points, finishing 13th and 21st, respectively.

Championship Picture Remains Strong

Even with Sunday’s difficult result, Nissan remains a major contender in all three championships:

• Oliver Rowland leads the Drivers’ Championship with 171 points, holding a 68-point advantage and the only driver with four wins this season.
• Nissan Formula E Team is second in the Teams’ Standings with 190 points, just one point shy of the lead.
• Nissan continues to lead the Manufacturers’ Championship with 285 points.

Team Reflections

Tommaso Volpe, Managing Director and Team Principal of Nissan Formula E Team, commented:

“It was a weekend of highs and lows. Saturday’s double points finish was a great result given the tough start to the weekend. Norman’s energy management was outstanding, and Oliver fought hard at the front. Sunday was frustrating with the weather limiting our ability to move forward. But with five races left, we’re right in the fight for all three titles and ready to push to the end.”

Oliver Rowland added:

“Saturday was intense, and I was pleased with fifth—especially at a circuit that’s not usually one of my favourites. The team did a fantastic job recovering from a tough practice. Sunday’s race was one of the most difficult I’ve done, with terrible visibility. But we’re still in a strong position across all championships.”

Norman Nato shared:

“I was really pleased with the performance on Saturday—coming from P15 to P6 felt great. Unfortunately, we just didn’t have the grip or pace in Sunday’s wet conditions. Formula E is unpredictable, but we’ve shown we can compete, and I’m confident we’ll bounce back strongly in Jakarta.”

At Western & Barnetts Nissan, we’re proud to support a team that embodies resilience, precision, and innovation—on the track and off. With just a few races remaining, we’ll be cheering them on in the race to the championship titles!