Norman and Arthur Explain their Roles

At the Marrakesh E-Prix, teams are presented with a unique opportunity and after the conclusion of the race, we will be taking to the track once more.

‍

Marking the only in-season test of the 2019/20 campaign, the one-day test in Morocco is a key period of learning, providing the opportunity for greater data collection and the chance to advance on-track performance.

As Edo and Felipe relinquish their seats, Norman Nato and Arthur Leclerc enter the main stage, fulfilling their roles as reserve driver and test driver respectively.

While this signals their only opportunity to drive the Silver Arrow 01 during the campaign, both Norman and Arthur are regularly hard at work back at base so we can be competitive week in, week out:

“In Formula E, the majority of the development is done in the simulator, meaning I have quite an important role with the team,” explains Norman.

“During race weekends, I’m in the simulator, recording additional data in between FP1, FP2, qualifying and the race so we can try different things to what we’re doing on track. I’ve been with Venturi for nearly two years now and the atmosphere is fantastic.”

As a product of the Venturi Academy, Arthur has been honing his skills in electric motorsport for two years. 

Sharing responsibilities with Norman, the 19-year-old also plays a key part in our development:

“We have lots of work to do in the simulator because in Formula E, you can only drive on-track for one day,” continues Arthur. 

“In this category, the simulator is really, really helpful because you can test lots of things and you can go to the track very well prepared with the set-up, meaning you win some time on track.”

A native of Monaco, Arthur works with the Principality’s only racing team and holds a unique opportunity by working with us here at ROKiT Venturi Racing – something that he holds close to his heart:

“It’s unbelievable working with Venturi,” he adds. “It’s a dream really because in Monaco there aren’t a lot of drivers or teams so to be in the Monaco team is even more special for me. 

“I’m really looking forward to the test in Marrakesh and working with Venturi further. Gildo and Susie are two guys that I admire so I’m really looking forward to it.

“Edo and Felipe are also incredible drivers and it really benefits me to see how they work with the engineers and the team. Every time I attend a race, I learn something by watching their approach and this is helpful to me in my own racing.”

Spending countless days in the simulator, sometimes for over 15 hours at a time, Norman’s feedback is priceless but on-track running is vital to find a correlation.

To establish this direction, we match the telemetry from our cars in relation to our simulator data and through this, we advance performance:

“Feedback is one of my strengths as a driver,” adds Norman, “but I have to drive the real car at some point to make sure that everything correlates in a different environment.

“Of course, you really have to change your driving style in a Formula E car – you have to reset your mind and learn. The only thing that is the same as a normal car is the pedals and steering wheel!

“The engineer also has a very important role in the performance because their feedback really helps your pace. For us to establish this correlation, it’s a real team effort.”

Set to take the wheel this Sunday, we’re jumping at the chance to gather more data this coming weekend!