---
title: "Formula 1 Champ Nico Rosberg to Make Formula E Debut in Berlin E-Prix"
description: "Nico Rosberg will take to the streets of Berlin at the wheel of Formula E's all-new Gen-2 race car."
date: "2018-04-10"
modified: "2018-04-10"
authors:
  - name: "Jerry Perez"
    job_title: "Deputy Editor"
    link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/jerry-perez"
url: "https://www.thedrive.com/accelerator/20021/formula-1-champ-nico-rosberg-to-make-formula-e-debut-in-berlin-e-prix"
categories:
  - "News"
tags:
  - "Berlin"
  - "FIA"
  - "Formula 1"
  - "Mercedes-Benz"
  - "News"
  - "Nico Rosberg"
  - "racing"
  - "Racing News"
---

# Formula 1 Champ Nico Rosberg to Make Formula E Debut in Berlin E-Prix

![](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/images-by-url-td/content/2018/04/2197859-45914490-2560-1440.jpg>)
*\<em\>www.thedrive.com</em>*

Nico Rosberg will be the first driver to publicly test the all-new [Gen-2 FIA Formula E race car](<https://www.thedrive.com/accelerator/19030/second-generation-formula-e-race-car-steals-the-spotlight-in-geneva>) that was recently unveiled at the 2018 [Geneva Motor Show](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/19073/behold-the-hottest-rides-of-the-2018-geneva-motor-show>). The exhibition drive will take place during round nine of the 2018 Formula E campaign in Berlin, Germany.

The 2016 Formula 1 Drivers' Champion will enjoy a dedicated 10-minute track session, which will see him put his first-class driving skills to the test on a [completely new vehicle](<https://www.thedrive.com/accelerator/19779/mercedes-eq-becomes-major-sponsor-in-formula-e-ahead-of-its-official-entry>), powerplant, and temporary racing circuit. This news comes after Formula E announced that the initial shakedown of the Gen-2 car had been successfully completed at the hands of series champ Nelson Piquet Jr. in Spain.

https://twitter.com/_/status/983606801756229632

Rosberg hasn't been shy about his [enthusiasm for the FIA's fully electric racing series](<https://www.thedrive.com/accelerator/20003/fia-formula-e-young-fans-are-flocking-to-the-electric-racing-series>) in recent times. The German went as far as saying that Formula E is the "future of automotive racing" and that Formula 1 "could learn from Formula E's innovation" on a [video](<https://youtu.be/xZE5Wv1HAas>) shared on the racing series' official YouTube channel back in December of 2017.

"I’m really excited to get behind the wheel of the Gen-2 car," said Rosberg. "It will be great to experience this high-performance e-mobility car and let's see if I still have it in me! It makes it even more special that I’m able to do this at the Berlin E-Prix, as I’ve always loved racing in my home country—Germany."

![message-editor%2F1523370506710-gettyimages-879410816.jpg](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/message-editor/1523370506710-gettyimages-879410816.jpg>)
*GETTY*

![message-editor%2F1523370512740-gettyimages-858850772.jpg](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/message-editor/1523370512740-gettyimages-858850772.jpg>)
*GETTY*

As it's to be expected from the multi-faceted racing driver, piloting the upcoming electric racer is just the tip of the iceberg as he recently became an official [financial investor](<https://www.thedrive.com/accelerator/19779/mercedes-eq-becomes-major-sponsor-in-formula-e-ahead-of-its-official-entry>) and backer of the series, something that Alejandro Agag, Founder and CEO for Formula E, is thrilled about.

"To see a name like Rosberg taking the wheel of the Gen-2 car in front of the German fans in Berlin is a great moment for the series," said Agag. "He’s such an incredible ambassador for world motorsport and a champion—so it’s also another fantastic [endorsement](<https://www.thedrive.com/accelerator/20005/jaguar-unveils-stunning-concept-livery-for-gen-2-formula-e-race-car>) for the ABB FIA Formula E Championship to have Nico as an investor and shareholder of Formula E.”

## Author
Jerry is responsible for upholding The Drive's ethos as an audience-first, enthusiast-driven car blog that serves up industry-leading news, reviews, culture, and motorsport coverage. Overseeing a staff of writers and editors from his home base in Indianapolis, he helps curate the site's daily rundown, as well as its medium- and long-term content strategies. Jerry joined The Drive in 2018 as a writer and worked as news editor and managing editor before becoming the deputy in 2023. As a lifelong car enthusiast and racing fan, Jerry believes that all cars are cool, but the people behind the machines are even cooler. This belief often gives The Drive a slightly different focus from most other car sites, where we explore the humanity behind the machines. When he's not obsessing over the day's biggest stories or hanging out at a race track, Jerry can be found behind the wheel of a car, most likely sharing a laugh with his teenage son or daughter.

### Author social links  
[Instagram](<https://www.instagram.com/drive_jerry/>)