Reigning Formula E world champion Oliver Rowland is finally set for his first experience of Nissan’s Gen4 development car ahead of the Sanya E-Prix in mid-June.
Following last weekend’s double-header in Monaco, which saw the Briton secure the first win of his title defence in the second race, some of Rowland’s attention is now set to switch to Gen4.
He is one of the few remaining factory drivers in Formula E yet to drive the new car, which will be introduced next season.
So far in its private testing programme, Nissan has fielded French veteran Benoît Tréluyer and reserve driver Sam Bird, but the reigning champion is finally set to get his first taste of the machinery.
While Formula E does not return until June 20, the next few weeks represent a busy period for Rowland, with the Briton attending several F1’s in support of Arvid Lindblad, conducting his first Gen4 test and attempting to extract more performance from Nissan’s current car, particularly over one lap.
Asked what he will be up to prior to Sanya, Rowland said: “It’s going to be busy for me. I have three grands prix in the middle, as well as some Gen4 testing.
“So, yeah, I think we just need to go away, analyse all the small details and see if we can improve things. It may be that we’re stuck with it, and we just have to do the best we can.”
The more the Gen4 car is seen, the more impressed the paddock is becoming. Former F1 David Coulthard was left stunned by its performance after just four demonstration laps in Monaco.
It is an era of Formula E that many are hugely excited for, with Rowland having heard so much from his peers without yet knowing exactly what the car feels like. That is about to change.
Discussing the Gen4 test, Rowland added: “Yeah, I’m looking forward to it. I’m on the simulator on Tuesday and Wednesday.
“So it’ll be my first experience. I literally know nothing about it, so I’ll be able to tell you more in Sanya.”
