Image: Simon Galloway courtesy of Formula E
Sacha Fenestraz, from Nissan, expressed his excitement to be part of Formula E, which is quickly gaining popularity as one of the fastest growing sports in the world. Fenestraz, in his second full season in Formula E, used to watch the races when it was GEN1 in Buenos Aires and now considers it a dream come true to be part of this championship.
Witnessing the championship’s growth over the years, Fenestraz acknowledges the increased fan engagement on social media and the rise in global television audiences. He is enthusiastic about the sport and believes this is just the beginning, with unlimited growth potential in the future.
Fenestraz recently competed in the Tokyo E-Prix, the first home race for his Nissan team. Although it was a challenging weekend for him personally, his teammate Oliver Rowland secured pole position and second place, narrowly missing out on the win. Despite his disappointment, Fenestraz appreciates the overall success of the event and the smooth organization of the new track. He also recognizes the importance of the home race for his team and the intense weekend of activities and marketing. Fenestraz understands that setbacks are part of racing and remains philosophical about his own performance in races.
Misano is a new venue for the Italian stage of the championship, replacing the streets of Rome. Fenestraz anticipates a pack race due to the track’s characteristics and looks forward to another street location.
“I believe it will be a race similar to the Portland-style race from last year, where no one wants to lead and there are plenty of overtakes. We can expect a race of that kind.
“It’s a permanent track, not an urban track, which is a bit disappointing because I prefer the championship’s old DNA with only street circuits. However, it will be an intriguing race for everyone. I believe we will see some subtle variations in strength between manufacturers.”
During the Tokyo weekend, Nissan became the first Formula E team to commit to the sport long-term, signing a statement to confirm their participation until at least 2030, ensuring their presence during the next GEN4 era. Fenestraz sees this as evidence of Nissan’s commitment to the championship and their hope for success in the near future.
“It’s a very positive development. It’s exactly what our team needed in terms of stability. With this commitment, Nissan is clearly showing its dedication until 2030.
“It’s not something insignificant. It’s significant and, for us, it’s very positive.
“We have transferred the team’s base to Paris and have made progress with new staff since the beginning of last season. I believe this will help establish stability within the racing team. It’s great for us, and I think we can compete for a championship even before GEN4.”
Nissan is currently in its second season as a powertrain supplier for NEOM McLaren, allowing them to share in the success of Sam Bird’s recent victory in São Paulo. Fenestraz recognizes the importance and advantages of being a supplier for another team.
“This provides us with double the data. Having four cars with the same powertrain allows us to collect a lot of information. For a manufacturer, this is very beneficial.”
“We can really function as a great team by sharing the differences we encounter, both positive and negative. This collaboration is very helpful as we work transparently, sharing everything.”
Some may focus only on the negative points of Fenestraz’s only score this year, but it is important to remember that he is still relatively new to FE, especially compared to his experienced teammate Rowland. Having Rowland on the team brings, in Fenestraz’s opinion, only positive results for him.
“It’s really fantastic for me to have Ollie on board.
“Since I found out he was joining the team, I thought it would be beneficial for me as he brings a wealth of experience, something I lacked last season in terms of energy management and races.
“It’s very beneficial and, of course, his talent is paying off so far. We know he is extremely talented and has a lot of experience in motorsport. For me, it’s amazing to have him as a teammate, especially considering the results he is achieving. I can learn from him and enhance my knowledge of the championship. He is a great teammate to have.”
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Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton secured a spectacular victory at the Monaco Grand Prix this Sunday. Hamilton, from the Mercedes team, started on pole position and led the race from start to finish, securing his third consecutive win of the season.
The race in Monaco is known to be one of the most challenging on the Formula 1 calendar, due to the narrow streets and twisty circuit. However, Hamilton showcased his exceptional skill by dominating the track and crossing the finish line with a comfortable lead over his competitors.
With the victory in Monaco, Hamilton extended his lead in the world championship of drivers. He now has a significant advantage over his closest competitors, consolidating his position as the favorite for this season’s title.
In addition to his impressive performance on the track, Hamilton has also received praise for his activism outside of motorsport. The British driver has been a vocal advocate for racial equality and social justice, using his platform to raise important issues.
Despite Hamilton’s continued success, he faces tough competition from other talented drivers, such as Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc. Both drivers have shown exceptional performance this season and are determined to challenge Hamilton’s supremacy in Formula 1.
The next race of the Formula 1 World Championship will be held at the Istanbul International Circuit in Turkey. It will be interesting to see if Hamilton can maintain his dominance and secure another victory for the Mercedes team.
With his impressive victory in Monaco, Hamilton continues to write his name in the history of Formula 1. His exceptional skill and dedication to activism make him one of the most admired and respected drivers in the sport. The world of motorsport is eager to see what he will achieve next.
