Gabriele Minì will return to the Formula E paddock for the second consecutive Berlin Rookie Test this weekend, once again representing Nissan. Following his previous outing at Tempelhof and a Free Practice 0 appearance earlier this season in Jeddah, Minì spoke exclusively to Pit Debrief about his growth in the all-electric series, the objectives for the Berlin test, and his appreciation for the learning environment Nissan has created.
Minì is coming into his second rookie test
Reflecting on how his understanding of Formula E has evolved since debuting in 2024, Minì explained that despite his increased familiarity with the car and team, every time he gets back in the cockpit feels like a fresh challenge due to the substantial breaks between sessions and the stark difference compared to Formula 2 machinery.
“Well, every time you get into the car, it’s a bit strange, of course, initially, because there is a big break in between each one of the tests, and Formula 2 is a really different car to drive compared to this one. So, every time it’s a bit like not really starting from scratch, but you have to do some laps to get back into the rhythm.
“But I already have been working with Nissan, so I know how they work. I’m really well working with them and, of course, I thank them for the opportunity that they’re giving.
“I mean, it just feels quite nice. Already, I’ve driven, as you said, in FP0, so it will be a bit nicer to drive this legendary car back here in Berlin, and, I mean, the goal is to show the speed and to train the team, to be honest.
“I think, you know, trying to top the times would be, I’d say, the main objective, but as long as, you know, we show the speed and we can help the team, I think that’s a good achievement.”
Working with Nissan
While chasing lap times is clearly high on his agenda, Minì clarified that the structure of the day will ultimately be dictated by Nissan’s pre-set programme, which will likely prioritise technical understanding and setup development over endurance or consistency runs.
“Well, this is really not up to me, to be honest. We have already a schedule, we have everything programmed, so it will be up to what the team decides. Last time we were here in Berlin, we prioritised a bit setups and understanding of some kind of combination of setups in the car, and then we focused also on trying to extract the lap times with each one of the setups.
“Of course, it’s not easy because you have to adapt the driving every time, but I think in terms of consistent laps, I’m not sure we will do that many. Once again, we will see also what the weather is like. Probably we will try to prioritise car setups and lap times.”
Working together with Abbi Pulling
Minì will be joined at the test by fellow rookie Abbi Pulling. When asked about their collaboration and how sharing the garage with another emerging talent influences the preparation and learning process, he was positive about their simulator work and the broader development environment Nissan has fostered.
“Well, we did the simulator together. Of course, we also had the reference from the actual drivers, so Oli [Rowland] and Sergio [Sette Câmara] in this case.
“It’s a really big help, you know, we try to push each other to the limit. Of course, it’s more about really trying to get the main things well. It doesn’t really matter whether you are the fastest or not in the simulator.
“Of course, it will not be the easiest, as I said, of the experiences because, once again, it’s not what we are used to. But I think for the team, it will be good. They will also maybe try to let new engineers and new people work with us just for one time.
“We need to try another team as much as we can, even in those kind of things. And then, it’s about us trying to learn and understand as much as possible.”
Getting recognition
With praise from Team Principal Tommaso Volpe for his adaptability and intelligence behind the wheel, Minì acknowledged how vital it is to be recognised not just for outright pace, but also for technical feedback—a skill set increasingly valuable in a data-driven series like Formula E.
“Well, I think it’s really one of the key things in the end. Because sometimes it can happen that maybe you’re missing some pace, and then it’s up to also the driver and up to his capability to try and get back to pace. It’s not always the easiest. Sometimes it’s really hard and can be frustrating at times. But it’s something really important for me as well.
“Of course, then the pace needs to be there. Whether you’re the smartest or not, if you don’t have the pace, you’re not going to be fast. So, I think there needs to be a good balance of both. But of course, it’s also a really important side.”
The Berlin Rookie Test takes place at the historic Tempelhof Airport Circuit, a venue with deep ties to Formula E’s identity, and for Minì, another step in solidifying his credentials as one of the sport’s rising stars.
