ROKiT Venturi Racing, partnered by Acronis, has announced that test driver Norman Nato will partner Edoardo Mortara as first team driver for the 2020/21 season.
The 28-year-old Frenchman was the natural choice to replace Brazilian race legend Felipe Massa at the team after the Brazilian decided to call time on his Formula E career at the end of Season 6, Nato having served as the outfit’s Reserve Driver since 2018 and clocked up two Rookie Test appearances in Marrakesh and countless hours of critical simulator time.
Monaco truly is a place where dreams come true ❤️
Say hello to our new recruit…#MadeInMonaco #ABBFormulaE pic.twitter.com/es2yts8dg3
— ROKiT Venturi Racing (@VenturiFE) October 16, 2020
In addition to his FE experience, Nato boasts an impressive resume that includes runner-up in F4 Eurocup 1.6 and Formula Renault 2.0 Alps, multiple GP2 victories and second place at the 88th running of the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans.
“I’ve been a part of the ROKiT Venturi Racing family since 2018, so to secure a full-time race seat with the team for Season 7 is a great step forward and I can’t wait to show what we can achieve together,” said Nato. “Over the past two years, we have built very solid foundations and we share the same bright ambitions for the future.
“I would like to thank Susie [Wolff] and the team for believing in my abilities and giving me this opportunity to race in the FIA Formula E World Championship. I’m very excited to hit the ground running in Santiago this January.”
Season 7 marks Formula E’s first campaign as an FIA World Championship, the 2020/21 championship season kicking off on January 16, 2021, in Santiago, Chile.
“As our Reserve Driver Norman has proven his ability at every available opportunity, not only showing speed during in-season testing but also demonstrating clear commitment to his role in our simulator,” commented Susie Wolff, ROKiT Venturi Racing Team Principal. “The decision to promote him to a full-time race seat is indicative of his contribution to the team so far – he has earned the opportunity to show us what he can do behind the wheel.
“Season 7 will be Edo’s fourth with the team and we hope that his experience in the series combined with Norman’s ability and determination will make for a formidable pairing. Season 7 marks Formula E’s first campaign as a World Championship and we’re very much looking forward to hitting the track in Santiago next year.”
Director. Actor. @FIAFormulaE Driver. Is there anything @NatoNorman can't do?#MadeInMonaco #ABBFormulaE pic.twitter.com/WMco5Z4yZ0
— ROKiT Venturi Racing (@VenturiFE) October 16, 2020
The announcement of Nato means the team has an exciting driver line-up as the Frenchman partners a proven race winner and multiple podium finisher in Mortara. And the Swiss-Italian is looking forward to starting what will hopefully prove to be a successful partnership.
“I’m really happy to welcome Norman to his new role with the team – he’s earned it and I’m looking forward to working more closely with him,” said Mortara. “Working together, I hope that we will deliver some strong results in what is a landmark year for both the team and the championship.”
Excited to be racing again in @FIAFormulaE with @VenturiFE and my new teammate @NatoNorman . Toutes mes felicitations 😉😉 https://t.co/BYE9Y7AagM
— Edoardo Mortara (@edomortara) October 16, 2020