Nissan Formula E Team sees the heat as the main challenge in Jakarta

Jakarta hosts the final single-header race of the season as the Nissan Formula E Team gears up for action. This marks Formula E’s return to Indonesia for the first time since Season 9 and the last stop in Asia for the 2024/25 campaign. Leading the Drivers’ standings, Oliver Rowland hopes to continue his impressive run of form. Meanwhile, Norman Nato targets another strong result after his sixth-place finish in Shanghai. The team aims to reclaim the top spot in the Teams’ standings and widen its 26-point lead in the Manufacturers’ Championship.

Returning for a third time, Formula E previously raced in Jakarta during Seasons 8 and 9. In 2023, Nissan delivered a strong performance, finishing fourth and fifth at the Jakarta International E-Prix Circuit.

Volpe, Nissan Formula E Team Principal, on the importance of strategy during the heat of Jakarta

Nissan Formula E Team is focused and prepared as the series returns to Indonesia for the Jakarta E-Prix. Team Principal Tommaso Volpe emphasized the importance of managing the extreme conditions expected at the circuit.

“We’re pleased that the series is returning to Indonesia,” he said. “As per previous races in Jakarta, we know that the heat and humidity will be one of the main challenges throughout the event—not only for the team and the drivers but also for the cars.”

“As a consequence, we will take extra care and attention to manage everyone’s wellbeing and to prevent car components from overheating.” 

With this being the final single-header of Season 11, Volpe highlighted the need for precision in both qualifying and race strategy, noting the difficulty of overtaking on the Jakarta circuit.

“This will be the last single-header of Season 11, and it’s a challenging circuit to overtake on, so a good qualifying and a solid race strategy will be crucial,” he added. “We want to keep fighting for all three championships until the very end, so need to have both cars in the points to continue pushing as we head into the closing stages of the season.”

Championship leader Rowland goes into the Jakarta E-Prix with the goal to stay at top

Oliver Rowland heads into the Jakarta E-Prix with confidence and determination as he continues to lead the Drivers’ Standings. Reflecting on the unique demands of the circuit, he shared his enthusiasm and focus ahead of the race. “Jakarta is a track that I really enjoy, even with my limited experience there,” Rowland said. With this being a single-header event, he noted the increased pressure on qualifying for him and the team. As the preparation time will be shorter.

“When it’s a single-header, there is less preparation and your sole focus is on one type of race, but more pressure on qualifying. We know how important that session will be for the overall result.”

Managing heat will also be critical, with Rowland highlighting the need to carefully control car and tire temperatures throughout. Looking ahead, he remains committed to the team’s championship goals.

“The heat is going to be a key factor in the event, and it’ll be about constantly managing the temperature of the car and tires throughout. As always, my goal is to keep my head down, get into the duels and score some solid points, as we can’t risk taking a conservative approach when fighting for all three championships.”

Nato found the preparation ahead of the Jakarta E-Prix “a bit simpler”

Looking ahead to the weekend, Norman Nato highlighted both the technical aspects of the track and the physical demands it presents. Especially the heat is a factor both drivers mentioned. With the heat come overheating tires and fast degrading. With only having one race this weekend, Nato found that the preparations were “a bit simpler” due to less preparation work.

“The circuit has a nice combination of slow and high-speed corners, which makes it enjoyable, but we know the most challenging factor of the weekend will be the heat. It’ll be a battle to stop the tires from overheating and degrading.”

“Only having one race makes preparation a bit simpler, as we only have one race scenario to plan for in the simulator.”

A good result for the team is his main goal this weekend, as they still have a chance to win the Teams’ and Manufacturers’ Championship.

“We’ll make sure we’re ready to score as many points as possible this weekend to help us in the fight for the Teams’ and Manufacturers’ Championship.”

The Nissan Formula E Team reserver driver Câmara points out the little overtaking chances

Sérgio Sette Câmara, the reserve and simulator driver for Nissan Formula E Team, highlighted the heat as “the main challenge of Jakarta.” Though knowing different tracks and weather conditions around the world, the heat in Jakarta will be hard on the drivers physically. While the Nissan drivers have to suffer through the heat, the car could also get damaged under these conditions, highlighted Câmara.

“The main challenge of Jakarta is the heat. It’s physically tough for the drivers and the car also suffers, with the battery, powertrain and other components put stressed.”

The changes out layer of the track reminds Câmara of a “more classic street circuit” in comparison to the years before. This could bring other challenges for the Nissan Formula E Team, as every corner in Jakarta is tighter and brings bears more risks. Câmara highlighted, that overtaking would be best “down the main straight into Turn 1 or through the final sector”. Leaving little chances for the drivers to fight along the race.

“It’s a more classic street circuit than previous rounds this year, with tight walls meaning there is more risk in each corner. The dust off-line will also make it difficult, so drivers have to be very precise.”

“The best overtaking chances are down the main straight into Turn 1, or through the final sector, which has plenty of room for cars to go side-by-side.”