The Nissan Formula E Team had a strong showing at the Cape Town E-Prix, with Sacha Fenestraz securing the team’s first pole of Season 9. Fenestraz impressed in qualifying, winning all three of his Duels and setting the fastest lap in Formula E history. The Franco-Argentine driver got off to a strong start in the race, leading from the line and battling for a podium position throughout. However, a risky move by another driver on the final lap resulted in contact, sending Fenestraz spinning into the wall and out of the race.
Norman Nato also showed positive signs, finishing in eighth place after starting ninth. The Frenchman battled hard in a closely-fought race and crossed the finish line in the top-10 for the second race in a row. Despite the frustrating end to the race for Fenestraz, Tommaso Volpe, managing director and team principal of the Nissan Formula E Team, praised the team’s performance.
“For the second race in a row the whole team did a brilliant job,” said Volpe. “It’s frustrating as Sacha has been denied a podium due to contact again. Pole position was a great feeling, we knew it was possible but it’s up to us to put everything together, which we did.”
Fenestraz was disappointed with the result but remained optimistic about the team’s potential for the rest of the season. “Overall we had a really strong weekend, we were quick in every session,” he said. “To take pole position was amazing, I have to thank the team for their hard work. They’ve been pushing day and night since the start of the season. It was a great moment so hopefully we can continue to show this level of performance.”
Nato was also pleased with the team’s progress. “We showed some really positive signs this weekend and our pace is clear to see,” he said. “Today the pace of the car wasn’t quite as quick as in previous weeks, but we still managed to finish in the top-10 for the second race in a row, which shows the progress we’ve made as a team.”
The Nissan Formula E Team will now take a short break before the next race in Sao Paulo, where they hope to capitalize on their pace and earn the results they deserve.