RACE TO THE TOP
We entered first and foremost because Formula E is a perfect testbed from a technology standpoint
TOMMASO VOLPE Nissan global motorsport director
IN the very early days of the car industry, the lines between research and development, testing on public roads and going motor racing could get very blurred. Fledgling manufacturers entered their creations in epic, but lethally dangerous, city-to-city races across Europe – in order to prove to themselves, as much as their potential customers, that these new-fangled ‘automobiles’ were up to the challenges of everyday driving, regardless of the weather or road conditions encountered.
The growing professionalism and sophistication of motor racing in the years following World War II heralded a new era. It was one in which technical innovations perfected on a race track would before long find their way into regular road cars, and where victories on the circuit translated to mass media attention and a boost for brands’ visibility and reputation among the car-buying public. From disc brakes and dual-clutch
