Buemi: Nissan’s expectations ‘very difficult to judge’ for Ad Diriyah

Sebastien Buemi says it is “very difficult to judge” Nissan e.dams’ expectations ahead of its debut Formula E season.

Nissan is taking over the e.dams entry from its sister brand Renault for the 2018/2019 as the all-electric series’ first ever Japanese manufacturer.

Ahead of this weekend’s season-opening Ad Diriyah E-Prix, season two champion Buemi, who will be partnered by Oliver Rowland at Nissan, believes new regulations introduced for season five - including the Gen2 car - make it hard to predict the early rounds.

“We’re confident of a strong performance but the expectation for round one is very difficult to judge,” Buemi said.

“We don’t know exactly where we stand, but as a driver, I always aim to win. Let’s see what we look like after qualifying.

“The objective is definitely to fight for the best possible result.”

Buemi highlighted the importance of the use of his team’s simulator in learning the new Riyadh Street Circuit in preparation for the inaugural Formula E event in Saudi Arabia.

“With the new simulators, I have good references before I even get to the track,” he explained.

“I already know the speed in the corners and the braking points, all the energy management.

“Basically, everything is done in the simulator, and it’s very well correlated.”

Nissan e.dams team principal Jean-Paul Driot said his squad is motivated by the challenges that have come with developing an all-new powertrain and software for the upcoming campaign.

“With one car per driver for the full race, season five is opening a new chapter for the ABB FIA Formula E Championship,” he added.

“Nissan e.dams’ new partnership, new power train and new chassis brings added pressure but these challenges are intensely motivating for the team, the drivers and Nissan.”