S7E8 — Formula E Insights and the Story Behind Nissan’s No. 23
About this episode
Insights into the world of Formula E are shared by Nissan's communications head and two drivers, Oliver Rowland and Norman Nato. The episode dives into the significance of their car numbers, the complexities of racing in Formula E, and the evolution of the sport over the years. Listeners will learn about energy management, the intricacies of the steering wheel controls, and the upcoming advancements in vehicle technology. The drivers also discuss their experiences on the new Miami track and the unique challenges of electric racing compared to Formula 1.
From the paddock at the 2026 Miami E-Prix, we sit down with Nissan Formula E drivers Oliver Rowland and Norman Nato. The conversation covers the unique demands of Formula E racing and the origins of Nissan’s legendary No. 23, a number deeply rooted in the brand’s motorsports identity.
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Formula E
"We're with Maria de Juana, who is the head of communications for Nissan Formula E team and Jose Carlos from Miami here."
Formula E is a racing series where all the cars are electric. They race in cities, and it helps show how electric cars can be used in sports.
Formula E is a class of motorsport that uses only electric-powered cars, racing on temporary street circuits in major cities around the world. It promotes sustainable mobility and showcases advancements in electric vehicle technology.
Nissan E405
"We have Oliver Roland, the driver of the Nissan E405 and you have Norman Nato, who is the driver of the Nissan E405 number 23."
The Nissan E405 is a type of race car that runs on electricity, competing in a series called Formula E. This series features races in cities, showcasing electric vehicles.
The Nissan E405 is an electric racing car used in the Formula E series, which features fully electric vehicles racing on street circuits around the world. This model is part of Nissan's commitment to electric mobility and motorsport.
number 23
"...because the number 23 is very important for Nissan. We always compete with the number 23 in our lineup because in Japanese, two is knee, three is sun..."
The number 23 is important for Nissan because in Japanese, the numbers two and three sound like 'Nissan'. It’s part of their brand identity.
In the context of Nissan, the number 23 is significant because it represents the brand's name in Japanese, where 'two' is pronounced 'knee' and 'three' is 'sun'. This connection is part of Nissan's branding and identity.
Nissan Leaf
"...you have it all around the leaf. Oh really? Two bars and three bars is all around the design of the leaf because of that..."
The Nissan Leaf is a popular electric car that runs on electricity instead of gasoline. It's known for being efficient and is one of the best-selling electric cars in the world.
The Nissan Leaf is an all-electric hatchback that is known for its efficiency and practicality. It is one of the best-selling electric vehicles globally and represents Nissan's commitment to electric mobility.
energy management
"...you have like so much to do within the race. Can you explain a little bit? Here we have an awful lot to manage you. It goes from energy management, tires, overtaking..."
Energy management is how drivers control the use of their car's power during a race. They need to decide when to go fast and when to save energy to make it to the finish line.
Energy management in racing refers to the strategic use of a vehicle's energy resources, especially in electric racing, to maximize performance while conserving battery life. This involves decisions on when to accelerate, when to conserve energy, and how to balance speed with energy consumption.
overtaking
"...you know, some races I think have like 300 overtakes per race. Yeah granted, it's not all like super competitive overtaking..."
Overtaking is when one car passes another during a race. It's an important part of racing strategy and can happen many times in a single race.
Overtaking in racing refers to the act of one vehicle passing another to gain a position on the track. It requires skill, timing, and often strategic use of speed and track position.
steering wheel settings
"...What about the steering wheel? It's like over 600 possibilities, combinations you have to do there? Yes, obviously there's quite a lot on steering wheel we can do..."
Steering wheel settings are the different adjustments drivers can make to how their car handles while racing. It helps them control the car better based on the track and their driving style.
Steering wheel settings in modern racing cars can include various adjustments for handling, such as changing the balance of the car, adjusting brake bias, or modifying power delivery. These settings allow drivers to customize their vehicle's response to different track conditions and driving styles.
simulator
"...we are preparing quite a lot in the simulator to practice as much as we can in terms of procedure with the steering wheel..."
A simulator is a computer program that lets drivers practice racing without being on a real track. It helps them learn how to handle the car and improve their skills.
In motorsport, a simulator is a high-tech system that replicates the experience of driving a race car, allowing drivers to practice and refine their skills in a controlled environment. It can simulate various conditions and vehicle behaviors, helping drivers prepare for actual races.
race engineers
"...communication with the race engineers, but yeah, it's plenty of things we can do with the steering wheel..."
Race engineers are the people who help drivers during races by giving them advice and analyzing how the car is performing. They work to make the car faster and help the driver succeed.
Race engineers are technical professionals who work with drivers and teams to optimize vehicle performance during races. They analyze data, provide feedback, and help make strategic decisions to improve the car's setup and overall race strategy.
battery
"...since you guys come out with like 60% of the battery, do you think you're driving this more difficult than Formula 1?..."
The battery in an electric car stores the energy needed to run the car. It's important for how far the car can go and how well it performs during a race.
In electric vehicles, the battery stores energy that powers the electric motor. The performance and range of the vehicle depend significantly on the battery's capacity and efficiency, making it a critical component in electric racing like Formula E.
Formula 1
"...less help from the pit wall than what they have in Formula 1 makes it more challenging..."
Formula 1 is a top-level car racing series where teams race high-tech cars on different tracks. It's famous for fast speeds and exciting races.
Formula 1 is the highest class of single-seater auto racing, known for its advanced technology, high speeds, and prestigious events. It features teams that compete in a series of races known as Grands Prix, held on various circuits around the world.
aerodynamics
"...Formula 1 has a lot of aerodynamics, a lot of downforce and other things to manage..."
Aerodynamics is how air flows around cars. Good aerodynamics helps cars go faster and stay stable while racing.
Aerodynamics refers to the way air moves around objects, particularly vehicles. In racing, good aerodynamics helps cars achieve higher speeds and better handling by reducing drag and increasing downforce.
downforce
"...a lot of aerodynamics, a lot of downforce and other things to manage..."
Downforce is the force that pushes a car down onto the road, helping it grip better and stay stable when going fast, especially in turns.
Downforce is the aerodynamic force that pushes a car down onto the track, increasing traction and stability at high speeds. It is crucial in racing to help cars maintain grip during corners.
Formula 2
"...I came from Formula 2 and tested in Formula 1 so the performance of the cars was..."
Formula 2 is a car racing series that helps drivers get ready for Formula 1. The cars are similar but not as fast or advanced as F1 cars.
Formula 2 is a racing series that serves as a feeder category to Formula 1, featuring similar cars but with less advanced technology. It is designed to develop drivers' skills and prepare them for the higher levels of racing.
0-100 time
"...Now we're at a place where around 0-100 is 1.8 seconds. Our top speed is close to 300 on some tracks..."
0-100 time is how long it takes a car to go from a complete stop to 100 kilometers per hour. It's a way to measure how fast a car can speed up.
The 0-100 time refers to the time it takes for a car to accelerate from a complete stop to 100 kilometers per hour. It's a common performance metric used to gauge a vehicle's acceleration capabilities.
four wheel drive
"...because we have four wheel drive."
Four wheel drive means that all four wheels of the car get power from the engine. This helps the car grip the road better, especially when accelerating or driving on slippery surfaces.
Four wheel drive (4WD) is a drivetrain system that sends power to all four wheels of a vehicle, improving traction and stability, especially in challenging driving conditions or during acceleration.
torque
"...especially when you go in terms of torque, when you go on throttle like with the four wheel drive it's really, really powerful..."
Torque is a way to measure how much force an engine can produce to make the car move. More torque means the car can speed up quickly and carry heavier things.
Torque is a measure of rotational force, which in automotive terms refers to the engine's ability to do work. Higher torque allows a vehicle to accelerate faster and handle heavy loads more effectively.
runoff
"...it's very smooth, quite wide, plenty of runoff..."
Runoff areas are parts of a racetrack where cars can go if they go off the track. They help keep drivers safe by giving them space to slow down without hitting walls.
Runoff areas are sections of a racetrack designed to provide a safe space for cars to go if they lose control. They are typically made of asphalt or gravel to slow down vehicles safely.
qualifying
"...in qualifying I think it will be really really tight in terms of lap time, it's quite a short track..."
Qualifying is when drivers try to get the fastest lap times before the race starts. The better your lap time, the closer you start to the front of the race, which can help you win.
Qualifying is a session in motorsport where drivers compete for the best lap times to determine their starting positions for the race. The goal is to secure a front-row position, as starting closer to the front can significantly impact race outcomes.
lap time
"...it's going to be really really tight in terms of lap time, it's quite a short track..."
Lap time is how long it takes a driver to go around the entire racetrack once. The shorter the lap time, the faster the driver is going.
Lap time refers to the amount of time it takes a driver to complete one full circuit of the track. It's a critical measure of performance in racing, as lower lap times indicate faster cars and better driving.
tire
"...how do you deal with the tires? It's a special tire right?"
Tires are the rubber parts that touch the road, and they help cars grip the surface. Different tires are used for different racing conditions to help the car perform better.
In motorsport, tires are crucial components that affect a vehicle's grip, handling, and overall performance. Different types of tires are used depending on the track conditions and racing strategy.
thermal management
"...first it's more like you're about to manage this temperature which is the most important..."
Thermal management is about keeping tires at the right temperature so they work well. If tires get too hot or too cold, they won't perform as needed.
Thermal management in racing involves controlling tire temperatures to ensure optimal performance. This includes strategies to heat up the tires quickly and maintain them within the ideal temperature range during a race.
hybrid engine
"...I have the chance to have different cars so I have electric and hybrid engine for example as a driver how this experience..."
A hybrid engine is a type of engine that uses both gasoline and electricity to power a car. This helps the car use less fuel and produce fewer emissions.
A hybrid engine combines an internal combustion engine with an electric motor to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. This technology allows vehicles to switch between or use both power sources for better performance.
driver technology
"...it's really interesting for driver technology wise and also that you could apply on different kind of technology and cars..."
Driver technology includes tools and systems that help drivers perform better in their cars. This can be things like data analysis that shows them how to improve their driving skills.
Driver technology refers to the systems and software that enhance a driver's performance and experience in a vehicle. This includes telemetry, data analysis, and various aids that help drivers improve their skills and adapt to different racing conditions.
24 Hours of Le Mans
"as I said like when I drive to 24 hours of Le Mans we take 340 kph in the straight line..."
The 24 Hours of Le Mans is a famous car race where teams drive for a full day and night. It's a test of how fast and reliable the cars are.
The 24 Hours of Le Mans is one of the oldest and most prestigious endurance races in the world, held annually in France. It challenges teams to race for 24 hours straight, testing both speed and durability of the cars.
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