Nissan ace Rowland is looking forward to the prospect of a home race on the Formula E calendar with the 2019/20 season set to conclude with a dramatic double-header in the capital. The sustainable series is returning to the streets of London for the first time since 2016, with an innovative new track designed to run both inside and outside the ExCeL Centre and around the Royal Docks. Barnsley-born Rowland is hoping the presence of a Formula E race in Britain will help the championship attract a wider motorsport audience, with the 26-year-old suggesting the series can benefit from the success of the British Grand Prix. Speaking on Thursday at a promotional event exactly one year ahead of Formula E’s return to London, Rowland said: “I think the race will grow Formula E in the UK, especially with the indoor/outdoor aspect.

“When you go to Silverstone for the F1 it is probably the best crowd in the world in terms of people and atmosphere, and I’m sure we will get the same with the Formula E race. “Hopefully the fans come down and enjoy the day out. From a personal point of view, it is very exciting to have a home race here with all my friends and family in support.” The British ePrix was previously held in Battersea Park during the 2014/15 and 2015/16 seasons before dropping off the calendar. However, series founder Alejandro Agag has often stressed the importance of having a race in the UK with so many teams and sponsors based here.

Formula E will return to London for the season finale next year

Oliver Rowland will be looking to beat Nissan team-mate Sebastien Buemi and challenge for the title

Rowland was one of six British drivers who took part in the most recent campaign, finishing his rookie season 10th in the overall standings. He was called up by Nissan following Alexander Albon’s move to Toro Rosso and came into the series with minimal testing but secured three pole positions and two podiums. “This year started off difficult but then I went through a period of five or six races that went well, almost too well, and I was qualifying all the time in the front row,” explained Rowland. “I moved from a rookie with no pressure, to someone who was expected to qualify at the front – that was a different pressure to handle but I think it has put me in a good position for next year.

“I have one of the best teammates on the grid in Sebastien Buemi (who finished the championship in second position this season) and I think I can challenge him next year.” While Rowland will be hoping to lift the title in front of his home crowd at the end of next season, he is not the only one keen to make a good impression when Formula E returns to London. Panasonic Jaguar Racing Team Director James Barclay is thrilled about the prospect of a home race for his outfit, and believes the London ePrix will have wider benefits for the series. “This race will be revolutionary for motorsport with the indoor/outdoor track,” he said.

Formula E have revealed a Union Jack-themed livery to mark a year until the British ePrix