The entry of the Japanese manufacturer into the electric single-seater competition is fantastic news . Nissan joins a category that is gaining increasing prestige with the addition of brands like Audi , Mercedes , and BMW . In fact, they will be competing in the same season as the Bavarian team, so the competition is guaranteed to be fierce.
Nissan will be no exception, and like many of these brands, will use Formula E as a testing ground and a demonstration that its electric technology is the best on the market. Currently, they have their LEAF model, which is the best-selling electric car worldwide, so they've already come a long way. But… Nissan's entry into Formula E has its explanation.
As many of you know, Carlos Sainz Jr. made his debut with the official Renault team this past weekend at the United States Grand Prix. Next year, Nico Hulkenberg—who is under contract with Renault until 2019—will be the Spaniard's teammate at the French team. Well, Nissan's entry into Formula E makes some sense knowing this beforehand.
“Nissan's DNA is rich with innovation in electric mobility, not to mention a long history of success in motorsport. It makes sense that we would combine these two elements by racing in Formula E." stated Daniele Schillaci, Nissan's global head of sales and marketing.
With the aim of focusing exclusively on Formula 1, Renault will hand over its Formula E entry to Nissan . The French team has won the electric single-seater championship three times, so this position carries a huge responsibility for the Renault-Nissan alliance.
In fact, as I mentioned before, the Japanese team won't have it easy, as they'll be up against two formidable rivals: Audi and BMW. Even so, Nissan has a wealth of track experience and advanced technology behind it, enough to give them a run for their money. In 2018, we'll see how the season unfolds, a season that's sure to be full of exciting and tense moments.