Alpine Academy ace Abbi Pulling heads to Miami next week with an 11-point lead at the top of the F1 Academy standings. The 21-year-old is looking forward to returning to the Miami International Autodrome — the venue she holds the lap record for in a Formula 1 support race.

 

 

Abbi set the fastest lap on her first visit to Miami Gardens in 2022 and is relishing driving the track again in her Alpine-liveried machine.

 

 

“I’m lucky that I’ve raced at Miami before in W Series and it’s a fun track to drive,” says Abbi. “There are a few tight corners that require a good technique, but the key is to perfect the exits because there are three very long straights in Miami and it’s crucial to keep the momentum up. It’s a circuit that demands a lot of commitment and pin-point accuracy to achieve a good lap time.”

 

 

The semi-permanent, hybrid street course is similar to Jeddah but with its dry-dock marina on the inside of Turn 7 and a beach club on the outside of Turn 12, the Hard Rock Stadium venue enjoys a unique atmosphere.

 

 

“Miami is an awesome place to visit, especially the area around South Beach,” adds the 21-year-old. “And it’s an event the crowd enjoy thanks to the live entertainment, great food and exciting racing. I’m also expecting it to be hot too, which will provide its own challenges.”

 

 

Abbi travels to Miami leading the all-female F1 Academy drivers’ standings by 11 points after a superb opening weekend in Jeddah last month. With a strong second place in race one, Abbi inherited victory in the second encounter as the on-track winner was handed a post-race time penalty.

 

 

“I actually found out I’d won the race during the final lap of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix and the fireworks started to light up the night sky. It’s obviously not how I want to be winning races, but I did have a little joke with myself that the fireworks were to celebrate my victory!”

 

 

Having set the pace in testing at Zandvoort last week, Abbi has been pleased with the start to her campaign and plans to keep the momentum up as she heads across the Atlantic.

 

 

“I’ve been happy with my performances so far and although there were some areas I could have maximised more, I’m overall very happy with how the team and myself have got the most out of the car. I’m also incredibly grateful to have the support of Alpine as they have been invaluable in helping me to become a better driver, both on and off the track.

 

 

“From a human performance perspective, Alpine have helped me to be stronger and fitter, and it’s a huge honour to represent Alpine in the team’s colours. It’s a great family to be a part of and I hope I continue to do the team proud with continued good results this season — starting with Miami.”

 

 

Abbi flys to the USA next week, after competing in the opening round of the F4 UK Championship which gets underway at Donington Park this weekend.