Formula E: Oliver Rowland Returns to Nissan for Upcoming Season 10, to Partner Sacha Fenestraz

Formula E: The Briton Oliver Rowland has signed up with Nissan for the upcoming 2023-24 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, replacing Norman Nato in the Japanese manufacturer's driver line-up. Rowland will be joining teammate Sacha Fenestraz, who was retained by the Nissan Formula E team following his first full campaign in the ninth season of Formula E. Antonio Giovinazzi's replacement Sacha clinched a maiden pole position in the fifth round of the 2023 Cape Town E-Prix and went on to even claim the fastest Formula E lap of all time in South Africa. Additionally, he also set the fastest lap of the race in Monaco and regularly fought at the front of the field. The 24-year-old finished 16th in the drivers' standings in season 9.

Oliver Rowland: A Switch from Mahindra to Nissan

Oliver Rowland rejoins Nissan after he made a switch to Mahindra Racing in 2022 driving alongside Alexander Sims. Rowland was commissioned to replace Alex Albon on the team, however, he struggled with a subpar package, finishing the year with a single podium in Seoul. As Formula E moved to new regulations, results declined further in the same year and, following a 2023 Monaco E-Prix which left him with a bruised hand after a collision, he was replaced at the Mahindra Formula E team with immediate effect by ex-Formula 1 driver Roberto Merhi. At the harbourside chicane, Rowland collided with Edoardo Mortara's Maserati, resulting in an injured hand. Besides, he was disillusioned by the lack of competitiveness of the Mahindra M9Electro.

Also Read: Formula E: Nick Cassidy Joins Jaguar TCS Racing for 2024 Season

Oliver Rowland: His Past Stint with Nissan

Rowland made his Formula E debut in the 2015 Punta del Este E-Prix. He joined the Nissan Formula E team as a rookie in 2018, the same year the Japanese manufacturer made its Formula E debut. During his time with Nissan, he raced between Season 5 and Season 7 and claimed five pole positions & five podiums, including his victory in Round 10 of Season 6 in Berlin in 2020. The British racing driver has a wealth of expertise in Formula E, taking the 2015 Formula Renault 3.5 Series title and a third-place finish in the 2017 FIA Formula 2 Championship. 

Oliver Rowland's Return to Nissan: What the Briton Said?

The latest announcement by Nissan marked a 'bit of homecoming' for Oliver Rowland, who spent three seasons racing for the Formula E Nissan team. On this occasion, he remarked, "I'm really excited, it’s a bit of a homecoming for me, back to the place I started my Formula E journey and somewhere I had a lot of success. The team has been on a great trajectory over the last year, with performances improving. I’m confident Sacha and I will make a strong pairing, he showed incredible speed in his first season. I’m looking forward to getting back to work, ready to go, and can’t wait to see what we can do as a team."

Oliver Rowland's Return to Nissan: What Nissan Said?

“We’re delighted to announce Oliver Rowland and Sacha Fenestraz as the Nissan Formula E Team drivers for Season 10. We’re very happy to welcome Oliver back, we know his talent and experience and we’re sure he will contribute significantly to the future success of the team. He will complete a strong pairing with Sacha, who proved his raw talent since he joined. He’s shown to be excellent in qualifying and has huge potential to grow and become a major force in the championship. We’re continuing to work hard at the factory and with the drivers so we can be ready to attack the season straight away in Mexico City. It’s going to be our second year racing as Nissan Formula E Team in the series, we’ve learned a lot already and will look to make more positive steps on our Formula E journey", said Tommaso Volpe, Managing Director and Team Principal, Nissan Formula E Team. 

Also Read: Formula E: Sam Bird Joins NEOM McLaren for Upcoming Season 10

With 17 races planned, including the first-ever E-Prix in Tokyo on the 30th of March 2024, Season 10 of Formula E will be the most competitive in Formula E history. Prior to the opening round of the championship in Mexico City on January 13, 2024, pre-season testing will take place in Valencia from October 23 to October 27.