With Europe in the midst of a heatwave, Abbi Pulling is aiming to turn up the heat on her nearest rivals as F1 Academy returns to action at Circuit Paul Ricard, France this weekend [29-30 July].
Another pair of podium finishes at Monza last time out raised the 20-year-old’s tally to five for the 2023 season, and cemented her fourth position overall in the standings, heading into Paul Ricard, then first of two events to round out the inaugural campaign for F1’s all-female series.
With over 120 points still available to the Alpine Academy racer between Paul Ricard and the finale in Austin, Texas, there is still every chance to make progress in a hotly-contested field, with Pulling just 26 markers shy of breaking into the top three.
Paul Ricard in particular promises to be a strong weekend for the Rodin Carlin ace, with Pulling quickest across two days of pre-event testing on the French Riviera last week.
The 3.6-mile venue is best-known to motorsport fans worldwide as the most recent host of the French Grand Prix, and is characterised by its high-speed, flowing nature, as well as a generous helping of run-offs!
Pulling has raced at the circuit once before, in W Series last season, taking a points finish in ninth.
In a change to the usual format, both free practice and qualifying sessions will take place on Saturday, with a triple-header of racing action on Sunday. Lights out is scheduled for 09:15, 12:35 and 16:15 (CEST).
Coverage of the races is available via F1 Academy’s social media channels, with post-event highlights broadcast on F1TV.
Abbi Pulling said:
“I’m looking forward to Paul Ricard this weekend. I left the official test here a week ago with the fastest time on each of the two days, so I’m aiming to carry that forward into the race weekend."
“It’s a condensed schedule this weekend, so it’s going to be quite draining, but I’m looking forward to tackling that challenge, together with Rodin Carlin."
“Europe is going through a heat wave at the moment, too, so it’s going to be important to stay on top of my hydration and keep the core temps down, that could definitely be a factor in maximising the performance out on track.”
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