Madrid played host to a productive Rookie Test for the Nissan Formula E Team this weekend, as young drivers took to the newly established Circuito Municipal Ricardo Tormo for valuable track time. The test, held on March 22, 2026, following the inaugural CUPRA Raval Madrid E-Prix, provided an opportunity for emerging talent to gain experience in the competitive world of all-electric racing. The Nissan squad saw strong performances from its rookie drivers, signaling a positive outlook for the future of the team and its driver development program.
The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship is increasingly focused on nurturing the next generation of racing stars, and the Rookie Test in Madrid is a key component of that effort. Nissan, a pioneer in the series as the first and only Japanese manufacturer to enter Formula E back in Season 5 (2018/19), continues to demonstrate its commitment to the sport’s growth and sustainability. The team’s participation in the test underscores its dedication to identifying and developing drivers who can contribute to its long-term success in the championship. Nissan has solidified its commitment through to at least 2030, becoming the first manufacturer to sign up for the GEN4 era.
Mahindra’s Naël Sets the Pace
Mahindra’s Naël topped the timesheets overall at the Madrid Rookie Test, demonstrating impressive speed and consistency. According to reports from the event, Naël and Maini provided Mahindra with a 1-2 finish in the morning session. The Nissan Formula E Team utilized the test to evaluate potential future drivers and refine its understanding of the Nissan e-4ORCE 05 powertrain. The team’s drivers, Oliver Rowland and Norman Nato, are currently competing in Season 12 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.
The Madrid E-Prix itself saw Jaguar’s Antonio Felix da Costa secure a hard-fought victory, showcasing the intense competition that defines Formula E. The series, which began in Beijing in September 2014, has evolved into a global platform for electric vehicle technology and sustainable racing. Formula E is the first global sport to be certified with a net zero carbon footprint from inception, investing in climate-protecting projects to offset emissions from each season.
Nissan’s Continued Investment in Electric Racing
Nissan’s involvement in Formula E extends beyond the racetrack. The Japanese automaker aims to transfer knowledge and technology gained from the championship to its road car development, ultimately improving the performance and efficiency of its electric vehicles. Nissan intends to electrify every all-new vehicle offering by the early 2030s, aligning with its Ambition 2030 electrification targets and its goal to achieve carbon neutrality across its operations by 2050. This commitment is further reinforced by a renewed sponsorship agreement with Alpine Tech, whose branding will be featured on Nissan’s racecars and drivers’ overalls for the remainder of Season 12.
The partnership with Alpine Tech, which began prior to Season 12, has been instrumental in the development of the Nissan e‑4ORCE 05 powertrain, contributing to six race wins and the Season 11 Drivers’ World Championship title secured by Oliver Rowland. The collaboration also extends to nurturing young racers, with several Nissan Formula E Team rookies having pre-existing relationships with Alpine. Tommaso Volpe, managing director and team principal of Nissan Formula E Team, emphasized the value of the partnership, stating that Alpine Tech’s support is “remarkably valuable.”
The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship continues to push the boundaries of electric vehicle technology, with cars now reaching estimated top speeds of 322 km/h (200 mph). The series’ focus on innovation and sustainability makes it a compelling platform for manufacturers like Nissan to showcase their commitment to a cleaner, more efficient future.
Looking ahead, the Nissan Formula E Team will continue to focus on maximizing its performance in Season 12, although simultaneously developing the next generation of drivers through initiatives like the Rookie Test. The team’s long-term commitment to Formula E, extending through the GEN4 era, positions it as a key player in the evolution of electric motorsport.
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