GET TO KNOW Oliver Rowland

How you feel about joining Mahindra Racing for Season 8?

I’m very excited to be joining Mahindra Racing for Season 8. Moving to a new team there will of course be a transition but I think that, with the combination of my experience in Formula E and the team’s results last season, we have the potential to achieve some great things together. I’m really happy to have Alexander as my team mate and look forward to working with him on extracting the most from the car and getting some strong results for the team.

What drew you to the team?

It’s clear that during the last few seasons the team has definitely been on the up re their performance. I feel that I am at a stage in my career where I can compete for Championships and I think the team are too. I see a lot of motivation from the whole team and I’m looking forward to the season.

You drove briefly for Mahindra in 2015 when Nick Heidfeld wasn’t racing. How was this experience?

It was pretty cool. I was still quite young back then and it really was a case of jumping in with practically no time in the car. It was a pretty steep learning curve but I enjoyed racing with the team at a very cool beach-side track in Punta Del Esta.

What has been your favourite moment in Formula E so far?

It would have to be my first victory in Berlin in Season 6. To win any race in Formula E you’ve got to be pretty perfect on the day so I’d take that as my favourite moment.

Which race tracks are you most looking forward to in Season 8 and why?

I always look forward to Monaco. It’s a very prestigious circuit.  It’s always a place I go well at – in Season 5 I had a podium and I won there in F2. Rome will also be pretty cool and also London; having a home race is always special.

What is your favourite car you’ve ever driven?

I would probably have to say the 2018 Formula 1 car. It’s a very special experience to drive an F1 car. I’ve had the privilege of driving a number of F1 cars and I’d say that the 2018 car was probably the one with the highest performance and speed.

How would you describe yourself in 3 words?

Focused, determined and, I’d like to think, kind.

What is your favourite food?

My favourite is Italian food.

Outside of motorsport, what are your main hobbies/interests?

I have a racing team for young karters between the ages of 8 and 12 and I spend a lot of time helping them. It’s quite a big operation now – we have four full time staff, trucks, vans etc and I’m involved in all of that.

I set the team up as I really wanted to give something back to those who are just starting out and try and give them the same opportunity that I was lucky enough to have. I enjoy the racing and competition side of it too. It’s great to see the young talents coming out of karting. I’ve been looking after a couple of guys who have really started to come good and hopefully then can go all the way.

In my spare time I enjoy running and cycling and I also love MotoGP.

Best place you’ve been on holiday?

Dubrovnik in Croatia. It’s a really chilled place. Maybe five years ago I would have said Ibiza but I’m getting a bit older now!

How do you spend a day off?

There’s not many days off now as I’ve just had a daughter so I spend as much of my spare time with her as I can.