The Alpine Academy driver made the headlines during the series’ inaugural qualifying session at the Red Bull Ring last weekend, only for a post-race scrutineering check to send all three Rodin Carlin cars to the back of the grid, despite the offending part offering no performance gain.
In race trim, the 20-year-old from Spalding, UK, rallied well to make progress through the field in all three races and score points on each occasion, including a weekend-best fourth in the final contest.
It proved a worthwhile damage limitation exercise for the former W Series and British F4 star and keeps her fourth overall in the standings heading to the second of seven events on the 2023 calendar.
Popular as a venue for MotoGP and, in recent years, FIA Formula E, the 2.4-mile Circuit Ricardo Tormo, situated around 25km outside of central Valencia, offers drivers a comprehensive challenge, with a fix of high-speed straights, fast, flowing corners and slower, more technical sections – perfect for a series designed by Formula 1 ® to develop the next generation of female racing talents.
Two practice sessions kick off the action on Friday, before two all-important qualifying sessions to set the grid for the weekend’s races. Saturday features a double bill of action at 12:10 and 16:10, with the final contest on Sunday at 12:35.
Post-weekend, a highlights package featuring all the action will be available on the F1TV subscription service, and live timing can be followed via the F1 Academy website.
Abbi Pulling said:
“Last weekend was such a rollercoaster of emotions, but I’m really pleased to be back in action just a week later with an opportunity to start making amends at Circuit Ricardo Tormo, Valencia."
“It’s a really enjoyable circuit to drive, with a good mix of corners, and it usually provides great racing. We saw at Red Bull Ring last weekend how close it is likely to be at the front, but I’m feeling ready for the fight."
“We definitely didn’t get a chance to show what we’re really capable of last weekend. The pace in qualifying was genuine, but of course starting at the back for all three races really hampered how much progress we could make."
“This time around, if we can put everything together, there’s no reason we should be in the mix to start winning some races. I can’t wait to get going!”
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