Nissan e.dams simulator driver Jann Mardenborough says Formula E cars no longer feel like an “old Porsche” as they did earlier in the series’ history.
Mardenborough complete a day’s running for Nissan in the Marrakesh rookie test, his first run in an FE car since he drove the original demo car around Donington Park, where the series is based, in 2014.
“I was like a journalist at that point. It’s funny that because the team thought I was a journalist completely so they got [Jaimie] Alguersuari to lead me around Donington, so they thought I was a proper journo,” he told FormulaSpy.
“That was like three or four laps I think. It’s hard to remember but I distinctly remember that car feeling like an old Porsche, it was really tail-happy. There’s no chicanes here [in Marrakesh] at that speed like Donington, it feels a lot better.
“I’m enjoying it. I’m feeling more confident in the car, especially driving this car requires a different style of driving and the track itself is quite fun.”
Mardenborough’s role as a simulator driver has been limited by his Super GT commitments, but added that he will play a more active part when FE’s European season begins with Rome in April.
“I only did the second time on sim last week, for future rounds I’m not sure yet. It still has to be decided because I’m probably going to do Super GT again this season.
“I can’t say for sure but with this Formula E calendar for instance I couldn’t do Chile because with Super GT testing and pre-season stuff it’s really busy now.
“But in the future maybe from round seven in Formula E there’s a lot more flexibility to do more hours in the sim, which [Nissan] want too.”
