Nissan has announced that it has taken full ownership of the e.dams Formula E race team, stating that its participation in Formula E supports its long-term commitment to electrification and sustainability, as laid out in its Ambition 2030 plan.
Nissan entered the series in 2018 in partnership with e.dams, with both companies racing together as the Nissan e.dams Formula E team. In March 2021, the Japanese auto maker announced its commitment to the Formula E Gen3 era, which will run from Season 9 (2022/23) through to the end of Season 12 (2025/26).
The change in ownership and new management structure will take place with immediate effect. Tommaso Volpe, general manager, Nissan Formula E, will also become managing director at e.dams.
“These are exciting times for all of us at Nissan, our fans and customers everywhere,” said Ashwani Gupta, Nissan’s chief operating officer. “We have been on the grid for over 85 years, and our desire to win continuously accelerates us forward. We learn as we race, and the relentless pace of technological progression that drives the Formula E championship will provide us with many opportunities to inform and develop even better cars for customers.
“The acquisition of the e.dams team not only reconfirms our long-term commitment to Formula E, but also to the exciting, high-performance world of motorsports competition as a whole. But we don’t only love to compete. We’re also passionate about delivering innovative and exciting driving experiences while demonstrating our commitment to zero emission and sustainable solutions. This acquisition will further empower us in the strategic electrification objectives of our business.”
“I am delighted that Nissan is taking over e.dams and today we are thinking of Jean-Paul Driot who, together with Nissan, had the vision for the team and helped to develop our partnership,” added Volpe. “Since his passing in 2019, Olivier and Grégory Driot took over and made sure the legacy of their father’s success would continue. It has been a pleasure working together and I would like to thank them for their commitment and support.”
Olivier and Grégory Driot also said, “Since the passing of our father, it’s been an honor for us to partner with a global brand such as Nissan in Formula E and we are proud of what we have achieved together. We would like to thank all the e.dams staff for their hard work and commitment over the years and we wish Nissan all the very best for the remainder of Season 8 and beyond.”
