Report: Could Nissan replace Renault in Formula E?

Given that Nissan currently sells the number one electric vehicle in world, the Leaf, news of the Japanese automaker reportedly planning to enter Formula E is not particularly surprising.

According to Motorsport.com, the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance have recently been discussing how to operate their motorsport program. Now, it is said that the alliance has decided to move Nissan into the all-electric series, and may replace the official Renault works team.

The head of Nissan's global motorsport arm NISMO, Mike Carcamo was said to have met with the Renault e.dams team and the FIA during the pre-season testing.

The possible entry of Nissan into Formula E is also unlikely to be immediate as the Renault e.dams team has already revealed their challenger for the 2017/2018 season. It is possible that the Japanese automaker will be joining the series in the 2018/2019 season when Formula E stops the mid-race car swaps rule. An annoucement of their entry could be made some time next year, possibly at the Geneva Motor Show.

If the report is to be true, it would move Nissan back into a major international racing championship, as their last was the LMP1 project in 2015. Nissan could then use Formula E as a way to further develop their EV technology. Furthermore, Nissan would also be the first Japanese manufacturer to officialy enter Formula E, though other manufacturers have already expressed interest.

With Renault exiting Formula E, they would be free to focus on their ever-growing Formula 1 program. 

Recently other major manufacturers such as Porsche, Mercedes and BMW have announced their intent to join Formula E. Audi (through Abt), Mahindra, Jaguar are already racing in Formula E. 

Source: Motorsports.com