NIO optimistic as Formula E arrives in South America

Santiago, the capital city of Chile, welcomes the ABB FIA Formula E Championship this week where NIO is determined to make strong progress and challenge for points during round three of the Season 5 campaign.

Little more than a week removed from the second e-Prix of Season 5 in Morocco, all attention now turns to South America where Formula E will make its first appearance at the 2.3 kilometre Parque O’Higgins street circuit this Saturday, 26th January, for the Antofagasta Minerals Santiago e-Prix.

Marking the first of two consecutive events in South America, the second following in Mexico City in mid-February, NIO is focused on making big strides in the southern hemisphere this weekend and especially so after the post-race test in Marrakesh.

Last time out, drivers Oliver Turvey and Tom Dillmann both made strong advances at the beginning of the Marrakesh e-Prix and the former looked on course to secure NIO’s first points of the season.

While difficulties with energy management impacted both drivers, work completed the following day in testing with ‘rookie’ drivers Jamie Chadwick and Jake Hughes enabled NIO to undertake further development work which should reap rewards in Chile.

Oliver Turvey, driver for the NIO Formula E Team commented: “I am looking forward to going back to Chile, although the track in Santiago is a new layout with a range of corners that look flowing at the beginning of the lap, to a couple of hairpins at the end of the lap. Last year the asphalt was very bumpy so it will be important to get on top of the new circuit characteristics as quickly as possible on race day.”

Tom Dillmann, Race Driver, NIO Formula E Team added: “Santiago is a new layout this year and so it’s a new track for all of us. We had a difficult round two in Marrakesh, but we also learned a lot and I’m excited to put that into play this weekend. We’re determined to make the progress we know we’re capable of, so everyone will be working hard to try and maximise our performance in Chile.”

Said Gérry Hughes, team principal, NIO Formula E Team: “It goes without saying that our Season 5 campaign has got off to a slow start and whilst we have taken away a great deal from our experiences of the first two race and test events, the onus is now firmly on us to demonstrate the potential of the NIO 004 chassis.

“From the work that Oliver and Tom have been conducting in the simulator over the past few days, the new Santiago street circuit looks like a real challenge, and not only from its unique layout and corner combination. However, we relish challenges and so I am very much looking forward to seeing how the weekend unfolds.”

Coverage of round three of the ABB FIA Formula E Championship season on Saturday, 26th January, will be shown live on the BBC Sport website, the BBC iPlayer, mobile app and through the BBC ‘Red Button’ service. Visit the official championship YouTube channel for a wealth of features, highlights and catch-up coverage.