Nissan buys stake in e.dams Formula E team ahead of debut

Nissan has strengthened its partnership with the e.dams Formula E team, announcing it has bought a stake in the manufacturer ahead of its debut in 2018/2019.

The Japanese manufacturer will embark on its maiden campaign in the all-electric single-seater championship in season five with the French team, which founder Jean-Paul Driot started alongside four-time Formula 1 world champion Alain Prost ahead of Formula E’s inaugural season in 2014.

Backed by a manufacturer partnership with Renault, e.dams went on to claim three consecutive team championship titles in the first three seasons, before its alliance with Renault came to an end at the conclusion of the 2017/18 campaign.

Nissan has purchased an undisclosed stake in the team from Driot to boost its ties ahead of its debut in the series at the 2018/19 curtain-raiser in Saudi Arabia December.

"For Nissan's first Formula E experience, it makes sense to partner with e.dams and be able to draw on the organisation's experience of winning races and championships," Nissan’s corporate vice president and global head of marketing and brand strategy, Roel de Vries said.

"The level of competition in Formula E will get even more intense for season five, with a series-mandated all-new car and powertrain.

"As part of our commitment to our partnership, Nissan has now purchased an ownership stake in the organisation, and we're excited to work with Jean-Paul and his team.”

Driot added: “With our new partner Nissan, we’re eagerly awaiting the new challenges ahead.

“We’re very proud of our history in Formula E, and we’re looking forward to adding new pages to the series’ history books with our new partner and the new car.”

Nissan is yet to reveal its driver line-up for season five, though season three champion Sebastien Buemi is a likely candidate to fill one of the seats.