YOKOHAMA, Japan – Nissan Formula E Team is locking in for a bold start to the 2025/26 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship as it heads to São Paulo, Brazil, fresh off a productive week of Pre-Season Testing in Valencia. With momentum, experience, and confidence on their side, the team is ready to launch its Season 12 campaign on one of the championship’s most energetic and technically demanding circuits.
This year marks Formula E’s fourth visit to Brazil, once again transforming the iconic Anhembi Sambadrome—home to the world-famous Carnival of São Paulo—into a high-velocity street circuit. The venue blends spectacle with speed, setting the stage for what promises to be an intensely competitive season opener.
Building on São Paulo Success
Drivers’ World Champion Oliver Rowland and teammate Norman Nato return to a track that has treated them well—and tested them hard. Rowland claimed a podium finish in São Paulo during the 2023/24 season, and both drivers demonstrated race-winning pace at last year’s event before penalties disrupted an otherwise front-running performance.
The 2.93-kilometre layout is renowned for its bumps, high-speed stretches, and heavy braking zones. It’s a circuit that rewards control and courage in equal measure, especially into the prime overtaking zones at Turns 1, 4, and 7. For 2025, the race distance has been trimmed by one lap, setting up a faster, more aggressive contest with reduced emphasis on energy saving. Every lap will count—fast.
Focused and Fully Charged
The race weekend launches with Free Practice 1 on Friday at 16:30 (UTC-3), followed by an early start on Saturday with FP2 at 07:30 and qualifying at 09:40. Lights go out for the season’s first race at 14:05, where Nissan aims to translate months of preparation into early points.
Team principal Tommaso Volpe says the groundwork is firmly in place.
“The whole team is ready to go racing again and build on what was a very positive Season 11. Valencia showed that we have a lot of potential in the car and we’ve been preparing well at the factory, including setting up our new Dynisma simulator. We know we must hit the ground running from FP1 as the grid will be even more competitive this year. Every move and every point could make a difference, so we’re striving for a smooth weekend without mistakes to start Season 12 on the front foot.”
Rowland: Ready to Defend the Crown
Entering São Paulo as the reigning Drivers’ World Champion, Rowland is hungry for another strong showing.
“I’m looking forward to starting the new campaign in Brazil. It’s a tricky circuit—minimal grip, very bumpy, and the heat adds another layer to manage. I led most of the race here last year and the goal is to be fighting at the front again. Settling into rhythm from FP1 will be key to a strong start to the season.”
Nato: Confidence and Consistency
Norman Nato arrives with valuable testing mileage behind him and a clear sense of direction.
“We prepared well at Pre-Season Testing, working on procedures and technical areas, and we showed great speed on the final day. Starting the season well is important for confidence and for the atmosphere within the team. I enjoy this track—it’s bumpy but exciting—and we’ll be looking to build on last year’s pace to score strong points.”
Bird: A Circuit That Always Delivers
Reserve and development driver Sam Bird knows São Paulo’s reputation for unpredictability and entertainment.
“It’s one of the races everyone looks forward to. We’ve seen everything here—drivers holding the lead from the front, and others coming through from the back to win. That’s the magic of Formula E. The main challenge is braking stability and traction, especially into Turns 1, 4, and 7. If you’re brave, Turn 10 can also produce something special.”
A Charged Atmosphere Ahead
With a proven car, renewed confidence, and a circuit that consistently delivers high drama, Nissan Formula E Team enters São Paulo primed for performance. As the GEN3 Evo era tightens the competitive margins even further, precision and pace will define who sets the tone for Season 12.
Nissan is aiming not just for points—but for a statement.
