Nissan e.dams competed in the ABB Formula E Race at Home Challenge today on a virtual version of the Hong Kong street circuit, with Oliver Rowland’s sixth position finish earning the team eight points.

With the live Formula E racing season suspended, Nissan e.dams is participating in the nine-week esports competition that features teams and drivers from the ABB FIA Formula E Championship, as well as a selection of top gamers.

The ABB Formula E Race at Home Challenge will raise funds contributing to UNICEF’s global coronavirus appeal. Nissan e.dams supports Formula E’s fundraising partnership with UNICEF that aims to keep children around the world safe, healthy and learning in the face of the coronavirus pandemic.

The ABB Formula E Race at Home Challenge is split into two grids and two races; the Driver Grid made up of Formula E racers, and the Challenge Grid of sim racers.

Racing on the Formula E Driver Grid were team drivers Oliver Rowland and Sebastien Buemi. The Nissan e.dams pair qualified P5 and P23 respectively.

After 15 laps of racing, Rowland crossed the line in P6 having made a dynamic overtake on the final lap for a hard-fought eight points. Buemi, having received his simulator equipment later than the other drivers and therefore unable to take part in the test session, earned valuable experience on his way to P18.

Representing Nissan e.dams on the Challenge Grid was Nissan GT Academy winner and former Nismo Athlete Marc Gassner, who finished in P12, and Jan von Der Heyde who came P7.

Oliver Rowland: “It was an interesting race. I had a lot of damage after the start and I made mistakes in turns one and two. However, I came back to sixth. We have some work to do to catch up with the guys in front, but I really enjoyed it and I’m looking forward to the next race.”

Sebastien Buemi: “I ended up 18th today, so not such a good start to the new series, but I am aiming to improve. It was an entertaining race and for the first few laps I was trying to stay out of trouble. I picked up some damage on the car which I had to work with until the end. I’ll be practicing as much as I can to come back stronger next week.”