The Venturi Formula E Team has made another signing for the 2018/19 season with Norman Nato joining the outfit in the reserve role.
The Monegasque team announced Simona de Silvestro as its development driver last month as she joined in to support the regulars Felipe Massa and Edoardo Mortara. The team has since signed Nato as its official reserve driver.
The Frenchman returns to single-seater format after racing in various sportscar championships this year, following a three-year stay in Formula 1’s immediate junior series – GP2 and Formula 2, until the 2017 season.
Nato will work predominantly on the simulator and help in the development of the car and will get track time with his debut in the Venturi VFE-05 on January 13 in the rookie test after the race in Marrakesh.
“Formula E has quickly established itself as a leading race series with many of the big constructors committing to participating,” said Nato. “Venturi Formula E Team is one of the historic teams in the field and the team has developed impressively over the last few months.
“So the opportunity to drive for Gildo Pastor and Susie Wolff at this key time in the history of the team and the championship is a privilege I’m fully aware of. The job that’s been entrusted to me is very important.
“[Especially] as Formula E meeting takes places over just one day (the Saturday – practice, qualifying and the race) the team has to be prepared and in the best possible shape to make the most of the opportunities available in a short timeframe.
“Driving Formula E cars demands a lot of finesse and technique. I’ll be putting all of my energy into learning our new car and fine-tuning my driving so that we can perfect our race day performance and strategy.”
Pastor said: “I’m delighted to see another experienced driver join the team. With Norman NATO’s arrival, VENTURI Formula E Team now has a solid quartet. Norman is a talented driver, intelligent, approachable, brimming with energy and determination.
“He will bring those valuable qualities to the team, and will certainly be a big plus for us. Full steam ahead for this new season.” It remains to be seen of Nato races in any of the sportscar championships aside his Formula E role.
Wolff added: “Norman is a fantastic addition to the team, he’s settling in well as he takes on an important role in the simulator – a critical element for any Formula E team. His experience gained over a variety of disciplines will be an asset to the team.
“As reserve driver, he will be attending some races, and I’m looking forward to seeing what he can do with the car in Marrakesh.” The line-up for Venturi seems to be complete with Massa and Mortara as regular drivers and de Silvestro and Nato in reserve capacity.