Nissan confirms Rowland as Albon’s replacement

The Season 5 grid is now complete with Nissan e.dams announcing the signing of former Formula 2 race winner Oliver Rowland to partner Season 2 champion Sébastien Buemi.

The Japanese team had a deal with Thai-British driver Alexander Albon to drive the #22 car for the upcoming season, but a late agreement with Toro Rosso has led to him driving for the Red Bull junior team in 2019.

Rowland has previous experience in Formula E having deputised for Mahindra Racing in the Season 2 Punta del Este E-Prix when Nick Heidfeld was forced out due to an injury. Rowland went on to finish 13th after qualifying 16th. The Brit also took part in the last day of October’s pre-season test, completing 85 laps and giving him a feel for the Gen2 Formula E car.

Rowland competed in one E-Prix in season two

Speaking at the Nissan launch, Rowland said: “The Formula E championship features some of the best drivers in the world, and it’s an honour to be selected by Nissan e.dams to represent them in season five.

“To be able to work alongside Sebastien is also an incredible opportunity. I’m looking forward to challenging myself against the best of the best in Formula E.”

At the same event that Rowland was confirmed, Mitsunori Takaboshi was announced as the team’s test and reserve driver and Jann Mardenborough will be Nissan’s official simulator driver.