Nissan Formula E Team heads to Monaco this weekend for Rounds 9 and 10 of the 2025/2026 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, carrying strong momentum from Berlin. Oliver Rowland arrives after taking his fourth and fifth podiums of the season, while Norman Nato looks to build on a strong Sunday drive that brought him a top-five finish and valuable points for the team. The pair now turns its focus to the famous streets of the Principality, where Rowland starred last year with victory, pole position and second place, and where Nato will chase another strong result at a circuit close to home.
Volpe eyes momentum as Nissan returns to Monte-Carlo
Team principal Tommaso Volpe said the Nissan squad approached the 2026 Monaco Formula E weekend with confidence after delivering on its goals in Berlin. He also stressed that the short gap between events left little room for error, making sharp preparation essential. With last season’s Monte-Carlo success still fresh in the team’s mind, Nissan carried added motivation into one of motorsport’s most prestigious venues, while keeping its focus on building momentum, improving consistency and making the most of its package.
“We’re feeling positive after a great weekend in Berlin, where we achieved what we set out to do. However, the turnaround between races is tight, so we must stay focused and efficient with our preparation. We have great memories in Monte-Carlo from Season 11 and there is always extra motivation to win at such a special and famous circuit. As we head to Monaco, our main objective is to build momentum and continue to produce more consistent performances to maximize our potential.”
Rowland targets qualifying gains on Monaco return
Rowland echoed that optimism after a productive Berlin round, where the team met its targets and managed both races well. The Briton felt he had made progress in qualifying pace and aimed to bring that confidence into Monaco. He expected the circuit to suit him again, thanks to its demanding rhythm and standout sections, but remained aware that the competition had tightened since Nissan’s strong showing there last season. His focus stayed on refining one-lap performance and turning recent gains into another competitive weekend.
“Berlin was a good weekend for the team as we achieved our objectives and executed the races well. I now feel more confident over one lap, which is something I’m looking to carry forward into this event. Monaco is a circuit that I’ve always enjoyed as it’s a complex lap with some brilliant corners, particularly through the swimming pool section. We were strong there last season, which is a positive, but we know since then the field has got closer. We’ll aim to keep on improving over one lap and build on our recent performances.”
Nato aims to build Berlin momentum at home-like Monaco
Nato also took encouragement from Berlin, especially after a well-managed second race in which he gained ground through strong tire and energy control. The result gave him a welcome points boost and a platform to build from as the championship moved to Monaco. For the Frenchman, the event carried extra meaning due to its proximity to home and his past success on the same streets in other categories. He believed Nissan had the pace to fight for another strong score, even with Formula E’s usual unpredictability in play.
“I was pleased with the execution of the second E-Prix in Berlin. We managed our tires and energy well as we moved forward at the right time. It’s great to finally put everything together and achieve a strong haul of points, so now it will be important to build on this momentum. Monaco is always a special weekend for me as it’s like a home race. I’ve been successful there in multiple other series in the past, so the goal is to add Formula E to that list this weekend. This championship is always unpredictable, but I’ve got confidence that we have the potential to score big points again this weekend.”
Bird stresses Formula E qualifying and tire control for Nissan at the 2026 Monaco E-Prix
Reserve and development driver Sam Bird highlighted the challenge Monaco would pose, with its mix of corner types, narrow layout and little margin for error between the barriers. He pointed to tire management as a key factor, especially on a high-grip surface where drivers must avoid early overheating while keeping enough performance for the final sector. Bird also expected the main passing chances to come into Sainte Dévote and the Nouvelle Chicane, but stressed that qualifying would be vital on a circuit where starting near the front often shapes the race.
“Monaco is such a special venue and it comes with many unique challenges. There is so much variety throughout the corners, which makes it difficult especially with how close the barriers are. It’s a high grip track making it crucial to not overheat your tires in the opening part of the lap and still have them in the correct window for the final sector. The best overtaking opportunities will be into Turn 1 and down to the chicane out of the tunnel. Qualifying is always important as Monaco isn’t traditionally a race that you can win from the back of the grid, so you’ll want to be starting on the front three rows.”
