BERLIN, Germany – Nissan Formula E Team enjoyed a positive Berlin Rookie Test today, as Caio Collet and Gabriele Minì recorded top-10 finishes in both sessions.
For Collet, the squad’s reserve and simulator driver, this was his second time in the Nissan e-4ORCE 04 this season after participating in Free Practice 0 in Misano. The 22-year-old Brazilian, who picked up his first Indy NXT podium of the season less than 48 hours prior, adapted quickly and finished ninth in the opening session, before completing more mileage in the afternoon, taking 10th on the timesheets.
Alpine Academy member Gabriele Minì got up to speed rapidly on his first time in a Formula E car, securing fifth in the opening session of the day. The multiple Formula 3 race winner achieved his program for the test in the afternoon, recording 100 laps across the day to go ninth fastest.
The focus throughout both sessions for the drivers was gaining as much information as possible with a focus on all elements of a Formula E weekend. The two rookies undertook several race simulations as well as doing qualifying runs at both 300 and 350kW of power.
Tommaso Volpe, managing director and team principal, Nissan Formula E Team: “We’re pleased to see the performances delivered from both our rookie drivers during the test. We collected valuable data throughout the day on all fronts so that’s very positive from our side. We already knew that Caio could deliver good feedback and adapt well to the car due to the practice session he completed in Misano, and also being the team’s reserve and simulator driver. It was great to see him gaining more experience.
“We were positively surprised by how comfortable and quickly Gabriele was up to speed considering it was his first time in Formula E machinery. We are always proud to give young talent opportunities like this and to follow them for a potential future with us in the sport. Also I want to thank the team for their amazing work since yesterday’s race to replace the chassis on the #23 car, they did a great job to make sure we were fully ready for today!”
Caio Collet, reserve and simulator driver, Nissan Formula E Team: “It was a good day as we executed our plan for both sessions. I’m delighted to be working with the team again after the practice session in Misano, and I feel like I have improved further since then. I felt more confident with every single lap and it was a great feeling to edge closer to the limit. A big thanks to the team for this opportunity and I’m looking forward to continue working with them this season.”
Gabriele Minì: “It was my first ever experience in a Formula E car today and it was extremely different to what I’m used to, with a lot more to control and tasks to complete while also driving. It’s been a cool experience and we got up to speed quickly after the opening few laps which was positive. There is so much information to take onboard but it’s exciting to have this opportunity to learn, and I’m so grateful to Nissan Formula E Team for that.”
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