There is a growing belief within the Formula E community that Nissan is poised to disrupt the dominance of Jaguar and Porsche this season and finally emerge victorious in an E-Prix after a four-year wait. This belief is not mere speculation, but is rooted in concrete evidence that Nissan has made substantial progress in comprehending the intricacies of its car during the offseason. Furthermore, Nissan has bolstered its team and relocated to a cutting-edge facility in Paris.
Thus far this season, Nissan’s performance has been moderate, with a solitary pole position and a third-place finish by Oliver Rowland in Diriyah last month. This aligns with Nissan’s performance in 2023, where their standout moments included a pole position in Monaco and a podium finish in Rome. However, upon closer examination, there are indications that Nissan is positioning itself for a return to the winner’s circle, a feat they haven’t accomplished since Rowland’s triumph in Berlin in the summer of 2020.
According to Rowland, the second day in Riyadh represented a breakthrough for the team, as they were able to validate some crucial discoveries they had been diligently working on. This was also a personal validation for Rowland, who had less familiarity with the Gen3 car compared to his competitors due to his abbreviated campaign with Mahindra in 2023. He felt reassured that he can still perform under pressure and that the car possesses the capability to deliver results.
Rowland’s return to the driver’s seat in the 2024 Mexico City opener demonstrated that he hadn’t lost his touch despite a seven-month hiatus. However, he encountered challenges during qualifying that hindered his performance in the race. He acknowledges that the current cars are intricate, with transitioning systems from Gen2 to Gen3, and he is still learning how to adapt and make the correct decisions in varying circumstances.
While there were some familiar frustrations in the initial races, Rowland addressed them and remained composed. This serves as a testament to his growth as a driver. Nissan is presently at a pivotal stage of development in Formula E, with increased resources and investments in their new Paris facility. They have also recruited talented individuals from rival teams, such as David Ladouche, who previously worked with esteemed drivers like Antonio Felix da Costa and Stoffel Vandoorne.
Rowland believes that the team is now in a much stronger position, with a larger and more seasoned engineering squad. He anticipates that by next year, everyone will have settled into their respective roles and acquired invaluable experience, positioning Nissan for success.
While Rowland maintains a cautious outlook, many experts in the paddock believe that Nissan has a formidable chance of clinching victory this season. While DS Penske has consistently been the best of the rest behind Porsche and Jaguar, Nissan has the potential to disrupt their winning streak. It has been nearly nine months since any team other than Porsche or Jaguar has emerged triumphant, and Rowland’s performance in Diriyah was the closest anyone has come to breaking that streak.
Although the start of the season did not unfold as planned for Rowland, he knows that he can assert control over races, particularly on fast and smooth tracks. The Nissan IM02 has proven to be a formidable contender under such conditions, as evidenced by their performance in Monaco last season and at Portland where the team achieved their best collective result. However, the Nissan struggles on surfaces that require traction and are rougher compared to some of its competitors.
With upcoming races in Sao Paulo, Monaco, Berlin, Misano, Shanghai, and Portland, which are anticipated to be fast and smooth, Nissan has ample opportunities to secure a victory. The end of their winless streak feels within reach, and this accomplishment would be more than a fortunate stroke of luck. It would mark a significant milestone for Nissan as they forge ahead into the future.
According to the source, the-race.com
2024
In a shocking turn of events, a major revelation has rocked the world of sports. The incident, which occurred yesterday, has sent shockwaves through the industry. Fans and experts alike are struggling to come to terms with the news.
The revelation involves a well-known athlete who has been accused of misconduct. The details of the alleged incident are still emerging, but it is clear that this scandal will have far-reaching consequences. The athlete’s reputation is now in tatters, and their future in the sport is uncertain.
As news of the scandal broke, social media was flooded with reactions from fans. Many expressed their disappointment and disbelief, while others called for swift action to be taken. The sporting community is now grappling with how to address this situation and ensure that justice is served.
This scandal serves as a stark reminder of the importance of integrity in sports. Athletes are not only role models for young fans, but they also represent the values and spirit of the game. When that trust is broken, it undermines the very essence of sportsmanship.
As investigations into the incident continue, it is clear that there are still many unanswered questions. The truth must be uncovered, and those responsible must be held accountable. The sporting world will be watching closely as this story develops, eager to see how it unfolds.
In conclusion, this scandal has sent shockwaves through the world of sports. The fallout from this revelation will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the athlete involved and the sport as a whole. It serves as a reminder that no one is above reproach and that integrity must always be upheld in the world of sports.
