The third generation (Gen3) of Formula E, which will introduce a more powerful car with incredible technology for Season 9, has served as an incentive for the category’s teams to strengthen their commitment and make large investments.
In this case it is Nissan, which has decided to throw all its eggs in the basket and buy the entire operation of its team, which until now has been shared with other brands.
The e.dams team – an offshoot of the DAMS structure in Formula 2 – has competed in Formula E since the category’s inception in 2014, started as part of Renault before the French manufacturer gave way to Nissan.
Read also: Porsche Partners with Henkel for Formula E
Olivier and Gregory Driot took the reins of the DAMS team following the death of the team’s founder, their father Jean-Paul Driot, but since then, they have sold part of the F2 structure to former Formula 1 driver Charles Pic.
They retained majority control of the Formula E team, but now Nissan has bought that part of the business ahead of the start of the Gen3 regulations scheduled for the 2022-2023 season.
All Hands on Deck for this New Stage
Nissan’s Chief Operating Officer, Ashwani Gupta noted that the relationship with e.dams has been good and fruitful. However, in deciding to invest heavily in the Gen3 era, they want to have full control of key points such as the powertrain and race team.
“This project is an integral part of Nissan Motor Company. From an investment point of view, we are fully prepared and able to carry it out.” However, from Japan we have already sent many engineers to France to work on this project,” Gupta told Motorsport.
For his part, Tommaso Volpe will continue as general manager of Nissan’s Formula E team and top boss of the e.dams operation. The executive explained that Nissan taking control of the team will allow them to have a much easier collaboration between the two parties, as it makes sense for the manufacturer to be in charge of its own destiny on the track.
“At the moment, the single-seater is developed within the alliance platform, and the team is an independent company. But the moment the team is owned by Nissan, we will be able to fully synergize all operations,” he added.
Undoubtedly, the Gen3 era of Formula E has aroused great expectations, and the mystery will be unveiled on April 28 in Monaco, with the presentation of the new electric series vehicle.
Written by I Jhonattan González
