Nissan to kick off upcoming Formula E series with new livery

Nissan revealed its brand-new livery on the e-4ORCE 04 that will compete at the Season 9 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.

In a statement, the Japanese electric race car sports a cherry blossom pattern, which is a nod to the  team’s Japanese DNA and symbolizes a new beginning.

“Season 9 marks a new era for Nissan’s participation in the championship. It will be our fifth (time) competing in Formula E but our first as one team. We have a long history in racing, and we also love to dare to do what others don’t. Our new livery celebrates our Japanese heritage and I’m certain that the design will stand out on the track like never before”, Nissan Chief Operating Officer Ashwani Gupta was quoted as saying.

The upcoming championship will also mark the start of the highly-anticipated Gen3 era. The vehicle is expected to have 40 percent more power than last year’s homologation and deliver a top speed of more than 321 kilometers per hour (200 miles per hour).

“Formula E represents the pinnacle of EV technology, and we are confident this upcoming, next-generation series will deliver innovation and excitement on and off the track," Nissan AMIEO (Africa, Middle East, India, Europe and Oceania) Chairperson Guillaume Cartier explained.

“With more than half of the races taking place within our diverse AMIEO region, our ability to implement road-to-track and tack-to-road knowledge exchange will directly contribute to the development of our electrified technologies and electric powertrains to deliver the best for our customers.”

Nissan Formula E General manager Tommaso Volpe considered the new campaign a “big moment for the series.” “But it’s also key for us at Nissan, with the team running under its new name as we take full ownership of all our operations in Formula E. All of us at Nissan are very excited for this new beginning, very motivated to tackle this new challenge, and very much looking forward to getting started.”

Further, the team also has a brand-new driver line-up for the upcoming season. Formula E race winner Norman Nato and 2022 Super Formula runner-up Sacha Fenestraz will race against other drivers, navigating the tracks at car numbers 17 and 23 respectively.

“I really like the new livery, it’s different and will definitely stand out on track,” Nato said. “The cherry blossom design is a great touch. This season is also a new beginning for me, and one I’m extremely excited for. Now, we have to keep focusing on getting ready for the season ahead, developing the car, and building relationships within the team so we are prepared for the first race in Mexico. Testing is coming up soon and we’ll look to use our time in Valencia to improve and develop our understanding of the new Gen3 car to be at our best for the start of Season 9.”

Meanwhile, Fenestraz also commented: “The car looks beautiful, I love the idea of the cherry blossom. It’s the first time we’ve seen anything like this in Formula E and it’s great to celebrate the Japanese heritage of the team. I can’t wait to be on track and I’m really excited to get to Valencia and start testing soon. It’s a big step for me to race in Formula E, and to see the professionalism and dedication of the team is only pushing me to achieve the best possible results. We’re building up nicely to the season, in the simulator, tweaking and developing the car to start the campaign in a positive way.”

The Nissan Formula E Team drivers will have their first outings in the newly liveried Gen3 car during the official pre-season test at Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Valencia on December 13-16. Season 9 is set to be the biggest Formula E campaign to date, with a record 17 races planned, including maiden visits to India, South Africa and Brazil, before ending the year at the fan-favorite London E-Prix.

Photos from Nissan

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