Oliver Rowland eyes Formula E history as title defence begins

Reigning Formula E world champion Oliver Rowland has outlined his intent to become just the second driver in the history of the series to win back-to-back titles.

The Nissan driver’s title defence begins this weekend in the season-opening São Paulo E-Prix, in what is expected to be the closest campaign in the championship’s history.

With the powertrains under homologation for the final season of Gen3 EVO, the likes of Nissan are expected to once again be fighting at the front, as are Porsche.

Rowland cruised to the drivers’ title last season after a faultless start to the campaign, which saw him collect four wins and a further four podiums in the opening nine rounds.

There is no doubting Rowland — who will run the #1 — is going to be involved in the title fight, with him hoping to join Jean-Éric Vergne as a two-time Formula E champion.

Asked if he feels pressure as the reigning champion, Rowland told RacingNews365: "No, I actually feel more relaxed. I’ve done it now, so it’s kind of ticked off, and I feel motivated to be one of the only ones that can go back-to-back.

"I know I’ve got a good car, and it’s not every year you can say that you’ve got a car capable of winning. So, yeah, I’m fully focused to go again, and I feel less pressure than ever."

Pre-season testing in Valencia highlighted that Nissan’s Gen3 EVO package remains highly competitive, with Rowland and team-mate Norman Nato securing top-four spots on the timesheets.

However, the focus for Nissan in Valencia was not on topping the timesheets but rather on race pace, proven by both Rowland and Nato often featuring towards the bottom in several sessions.

"We’ve definitely made some good progress, and I think it will help us in difficult conditions, let’s say," added Rowland.

"We’re going to be there; the car is fast. When I’m in a good rhythm, we’re fast, so I’m pretty confident we’ll be there or thereabouts."