On the eve of the start of Formula E's next generation of racing, Nissan e.dams has confirmed that current Formula 2 driver Alexander Albon will race alongside Sebastien Buemi for the coming Season Five campaign.
Albon, 22, currently sits in third place in the Drivers' Championship in Formula 2 and has so far secured three victories in the 2018 season, contesting the F1 feeder series with DAMS – a non-electric offshoot of the French e.dams unit.
The British-born Thai racer previously tested for e.dams at Formula E's maiden rookie test following January's Marrakesh E-Prix and was one of a number of candidates for the seat, with Nissan-backed drivers including GT Academy winner Jann Mardenborough being linked to the drive.
“The level of competition in the series is intense, and I’m looking forward to testing myself against some of the best drivers in the world,” said Albon..
“Electric street racing will be a new challenge for me, but working with Sebastien as my teammate will be a huge help, as he has set the benchmark for performance in the series.”
At Nissan, Albon will be partnered by Season Two Formula E champion Sebastien Buemi, with the Swiss racer continuing his relationship with the team for a fifth consecutive season despite contractual issues arising due to the driver's ties with Toyota in the FIA World Endurance Championship.
“Season five will be a whole new beginning for me in many ways,” said Buemi.
“There’s so much that’s new – the cars, the race format, the venues. I look forward to continuing to work with e.dams and bringing the excitement of Nissan’s world-leading electric vehicle technology to motorsports fans all over the globe.”
E.dams team principal Jean-Paul Driot hailed the team's driver lineup for the coming Season Five campaign, with the pairing of Buemi and Albon offering a blend of experience and fresh talent.
“Sebastien has been an important part of the e.dams team since our first Formula E race four years ago in China," he said.
"We know Alex well from his performances with DAMS in Formula 2, and we’re excited to bring his talent into the Formula E championship.”
Pre-season testing for the 2018/19 campaign will commence on October 16 at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit in Valencia while the season will begin on December 15 at Ad Diriyah, Saudi Arabia.
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