Latest news with #SeasonEight


New Straits Times
22-07-2025
- Automotive
- New Straits Times
Rowland targets multiple titles after Formula E breakthrough
LONDON: After 11 seasons that have produced 10 different champions, Formula E's new title-holder Oliver Rowland believes the all-electric series has become less of a lottery and he can break with the past. The Nissan driver, who clinched this year's crown in Berlin on July 13 with two races to spare, told reporters ahead of his home British season finale at London's ExCel this weekend that the championship was fairer now. "In the early years we had this qualifying system which was just mental, where the top six in the championship went out on a track that was one second slower than (for) the next group and then half a second slower than the next group," he said. "You could never pull away in the championship. You would basically get in the lead and then just start last in the next race." In 2021, the last year before the Season Eight change, 18 drivers remained in title contention heading into the final two rounds. Seven of the 11 championships, including the first three, have been decided in the final race. Only Frenchman Jean-Eric Vergne has so far managed to defend a Formula E crown, winning back-to-back titles in 2017-18 and 2018-19. The current qualifying splits drivers into two groups of 11 based on championship position, with odd numbers in one group and evens in the other, before the top four from each advance to knockout duels. "It's kind of much fairer and I think you have the opportunity to see people winning more back-to-back titles," said Rowland, 32. "I think it's a little bit fairer now in terms of not being as much of a lottery. I expect that you will see the same guys towards the front and more repeat winners moving forward," said Rowland. While this year's drivers' crown is won, Nissan are fighting Porsche for the team and manufacturers' titles. Rowland said his ambition for the future, without the pressure of chasing a first title, was to try to cement himself as one of the top drivers in the series. "It's a good motivation to have, to try and win three or four (titles)," he said. -REUTERS


The Star
21-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Star
Motor racing-Rowland targets multiple titles after Formula E breakthrough
FILE PHOTO: Apr 12, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Oliver Rowland of Team Nissan enters turn four during qualifying for the ABB Formula E Series race at the Homestead Motor Speedway Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images/File Photo LONDON (Reuters) -After 11 seasons that have produced 10 different champions, Formula E's new title-holder Oliver Rowland believes the all-electric series has become less of a lottery and he can break with the past. The Nissan driver, who clinched this year's crown in Berlin on July 13 with two races to spare, told reporters ahead of his home British season finale at London's ExCel this weekend that the championship was fairer now. "In the early years we had this qualifying system which was just mental, where the top six in the championship went out on a track that was one second slower than (for) the next group and then half a second slower than the next group," he said. "You could never pull away in the championship. You would basically get in the lead and then just start last in the next race." In 2021, the last year before the Season Eight change, 18 drivers remained in title contention heading into the final two rounds. Seven of the 11 championships, including the first three, have been decided in the final race. Only Frenchman Jean-Eric Vergne has so far managed to defend a Formula E crown, winning back-to-back titles in 2017-18 and 2018-19. The current qualifying splits drivers into two groups of 11 based on championship position, with odd numbers in one group and evens in the other, before the top four from each advance to knockout duels. "It's kind of much fairer and I think you have the opportunity to see people winning more back-to-back titles," said Rowland, 32. "I think it's a little bit fairer now in terms of not being as much of a lottery. I expect that you will see the same guys towards the front and more repeat winners moving forward," said Rowland. While this year's drivers' crown is won, Nissan are fighting Porsche for the team and manufacturers' titles. Rowland said his ambition for the future, without the pressure of chasing a first title, was to try to cement himself as one of the top drivers in the series. "It's a good motivation to have, to try and win three or four (titles)," he said. (Reporting by Alan Baldwin, editing by Toby Davis)

Straits Times
21-07-2025
- Automotive
- Straits Times
Rowland targets multiple titles after Formula E breakthrough
FILE PHOTO: Apr 12, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Oliver Rowland of Team Nissan enters turn four during qualifying for the ABB Formula E Series race at the Homestead Motor Speedway Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images/File Photo LONDON - After 11 seasons that have produced 10 different champions, Formula E's new title-holder Oliver Rowland believes the all-electric series has become less of a lottery and he can break with the past. The Nissan driver, who clinched this year's crown in Berlin on July 13 with two races to spare, told reporters ahead of his home British season finale at London's ExCel this weekend that the championship was fairer now. "In the early years we had this qualifying system which was just mental, where the top six in the championship went out on a track that was one second slower than (for) the next group and then half a second slower than the next group," he said. "You could never pull away in the championship. You would basically get in the lead and then just start last in the next race." In 2021, the last year before the Season Eight change, 18 drivers remained in title contention heading into the final two rounds. Seven of the 11 championships, including the first three, have been decided in the final race. Only Frenchman Jean-Eric Vergne has so far managed to defend a Formula E crown, winning back-to-back titles in 2017-18 and 2018-19. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Subsidies and grants for some 20,000 people miscalculated due to processing issue: MOH Asia At least 19 killed as Bangladesh air force plane crashes at college campus Singapore ST Explains: What does it mean for etomidate to be listed under the Misuse of Drugs Act? Business Why Singapore and its businesses stand to lose with US tariffs on the region Singapore NTU to have compulsory cadaver dissection classes for medical students from 2026 World US authorities probing passenger jet's close call with B-52 bomber over North Dakota Singapore Jail for man who conspired with another to bribe MOH agency employee with $18k Paris trip Singapore New research institute will grow S'pore's talent in nuclear energy, safety The current qualifying splits drivers into two groups of 11 based on championship position, with odd numbers in one group and evens in the other, before the top four from each advance to knockout duels. "It's kind of much fairer and I think you have the opportunity to see people winning more back-to-back titles," said Rowland, 32. "I think it's a little bit fairer now in terms of not being as much of a lottery. I expect that you will see the same guys towards the front and more repeat winners moving forward," said Rowland. While this year's drivers' crown is won, Nissan are fighting Porsche for the team and manufacturers' titles. Rowland said his ambition for the future, without the pressure of chasing a first title, was to try to cement himself as one of the top drivers in the series. "It's a good motivation to have, to try and win three or four (titles)," he said. REUTERS


Express Tribune
07-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Fortnite Festival season 8 gets 'Espresso' as Sabrina Carpenter headlines with exclusive skins
Sabrina Carpenter is officially joining Fortnite for the game's Festival Season 8, bringing her music and iconic style to the popular online game. Recently a teaser posted by the festival's instagram page, hinted that the singer is going to be a part of the upcoming season 8. The two-time Grammy-winning artist will headline the Festival mode, which lets players perform together in a Rock Band-like experience. This collaboration marks Carpenter's first foray into the Fortnite world and is set to begin on April 8. Players can unlock a wealth of Carpenter-inspired content by purchasing the Season Eight Music Pass. This includes playable Jam Tracks such as "Juno" and "Nonsense," allowing users to perform alongside others. The collaboration also introduces two skins based on Carpenter's recent Short n' Sweet tour outfits, including a Lego-inspired version for the game's Lego Fortnite mode. Players who purchase the Music Pass will gain access to these outfits immediately, with further customization options unlocked as they progress through the battle pass. -Fortnite. Carpenter, who had never played Fortnite before this collaboration, expressed her excitement about connecting with fans in a unique way. "It's exciting for fans to engage with my music through different art forms," she shared in a statement to Rolling Stone. "This is a special way for fans to be a part of the Short n' Sweet world." Additionally, Fortnite offers a secondary "Tour-Ready" outfit in the shop, along with dance emotes, back bling, and mics. These items can be purchased separately or bundled with previous Jam Tracks. V-Bucks, the in-game currency, will be required for purchases. Fortnite Festival, which launched in late 2023, has been a musical space within the game, featuring artists like Lady Gaga, Billie Eilish, and Hatsune Miku. The collaboration with Carpenter marks the beginning of her mini-era in Fortnite.