Source – usa.nissannews.com
In Jeddah, an Italian Formula 2 racer will drive for a Japanese team.
Nissan Formula E Team is once again putting its faith in young talent, as Gabriele Minì prepares to take on the upcoming Rookie Free Practice session in Saudi Arabia. As the motorsport world turns its attention to Jeddah for the first-ever E-Prix in the city, all eyes will be on the rising Italian star as he steps into Nissan’s all-electric machine.
Minì’s journey to this moment has been nothing short of impressive. A multiple-time Formula 3 race winner, his skill and determination carried him to a second-place finish in the series last season. But he didn’t stop there. Making his Formula 2 debut in Baku, he wasted no time proving his worth, securing a podium in his very first race. Now, with a full-time F2 campaign ahead, his rapid rise continues as he gets another shot in Formula E’s elite competition.
This will be Minì’s second stint with the Nissan Formula E Team, following his appearance at the Berlin Rookie Test in Season 10. His performance then was nothing short of promising, as he recorded top-ten finishes in both the morning and afternoon sessions. That display of raw pace and adaptability left an impression on Nissan, making his return to the cockpit a natural choice for this critical test.
The Rookie Free Practice initiative highlights Formula E’s ongoing efforts to foster young racing talent, providing a gateway for emerging drivers to experience the high-intensity world of electric racing. This 40-minute session in Jeddah is not just another practice run; it marks the first official on-track action at the brand-new circuit, making every lap crucial for data collection and car setup. Nissan is determined to make the most of this session, and Minì will play a vital role in extracting the most out of their machine.
Tommaso Volpe, the managing director and team principal of Nissan Formula E Team, is thrilled to have Minì back in the car. His confidence in the young driver is clear, as he praised Minì’s strong performances across multiple categories. Volpe emphasized that the Italian’s presence in the session will be invaluable, as the team looks to gather vital insights on the new track surface and optimize their setup ahead of the weekend.
For Minì, this opportunity is another crucial step in his journey. Reflecting on his first Formula E experience in Berlin, he acknowledges the unique challenges that come with electric racing. The fine balance between outright speed and energy efficiency is unlike anything in traditional single-seaters. His time in the simulator has prepared him for what lies ahead, but he knows that tackling a new circuit in real-time is an entirely different challenge. His goal is clear—help the team gather as much data as possible while continuing to sharpen his skills in a highly competitive environment.
Nissan’s commitment to Formula E runs deep. Since making its all-electric debut in Season 5, the Japanese manufacturer has embraced the championship as a proving ground for cutting-edge EV technology. With a long-term commitment to the series, Nissan has not only taken full control of its Formula E operation but also extended its expertise by supplying powertrains to McLaren Racing.
Their long-term ambitions in the sport were further solidified in March 2024, when Nissan became the first manufacturer to commit to the Gen4 era, ensuring its involvement in Formula E until at least 2030. The move aligns with the brand’s broader vision for electrification, as Nissan continues its push towards carbon neutrality and sustainable mobility solutions.
Formula E, as a championship, has established itself as a groundbreaking force in global motorsport. As the first racing series to be certified with a net zero carbon footprint from inception, it stands as a testament to the future of sustainable competition. The series has revolutionized urban racing, bringing high-speed electric battles to city streets worldwide, all while accelerating the development of next-generation EV technology.
As the lights go out in Jeddah, Minì will have the chance to prove himself once again, and Nissan will be hoping their faith in the young Italian continues to pay off. With talent, determination, and the backing of a manufacturer committed to electric racing, this is just the beginning of an electrifying journey for both Minì and Nissan in the world of Formula E.
