Abbi Pulling Sets Fastest Time in Historic All-Female Formula E Test

British driver Abbi Pulling, who currently leads the F1 Academy standings, achieved the fastest time in the inaugural all-female Formula E testing session. The 21-year-old, representing Nissan, outpaced 18 of the world’s leading female drivers during the event in Spain. Pulling commented on the experience, stating, “It was extremely physically demanding – I wasn’t quite expecting that.” She added, “I work hard in the gym, but the new tyres made it a real challenge. I couldn’t quite get the maximum I wanted out of the car.” All eleven teams participating in the electric racing series each entered at least one driver at the Circuito de Jarama, located near Madrid. This initiative forms part of Formula E’s long-term strategy “to remove barriers and expand opportunities for women” within motorsport. The event was initially planned for Valencia, which typically hosts Formula E pre-season testing. However, it was relocated to the Spanish capital following severe floods in the Valencia region that resulted in over 200 fatalities. The female drivers, representing various motorsport disciplines, participated in a three-hour session on Friday, utilizing the latest Gen3 Evo car, which is slated for use in the forthcoming 2025 season. This vehicle is capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 1.82 seconds, making it 30% faster than a Formula 1 car. Pulling’s recorded time was one minute 30.88 seconds, which was 3.4 seconds slower than Formula E driver Mitch Evans. Evans had achieved the fastest lap during Thursday’s men’s test on the same track, driving for Jaguar TCS Racing. “It’s not too bad considering the limited run we had,” Pulling commented, adding, “But I wanted to be closer.” Jamie Chadwick, a three-time W Series champion, secured the second-fastest time, while McLaren’s Bianca Bustamante finished third. Currently, no female drivers hold a race seat in Formula E. Historically, only three women have competed in a Formula E race, all during the inaugural 2014 season. These drivers were British sportscar and IndyCar driver Katherine Legge, Swiss driver Simona de Silvestro, and Italian driver Michela Cerruti. The last female competitor in Formula 1 was Italy’s Lella Lombardi, who raced in 1976. Jeff Dodds, the CEO of Formula E, stated that motorsport has not adequately provided development opportunities for women. Having assumed his role 18 months prior, Dodds expressed his intention to address this issue, identifying the all-female test as the “first step” in a broader, long-term strategy aimed at reintroducing women to the Formula E starting grid. “I will be very disappointed if some of the women here at the test don’t go on to take a seat in Formula E,” he remarked, though he clarified that such roles would more likely be as development or test drivers in the immediate future. He further explained, “They will need to prove to the teams that they deserve a seat in the car, because every team is here to win.” Dodds concluded, “But I think it’s an ‘and’ not an ‘or’. I think you can win a championship and provide sporting equity and more opportunity for women. I don’t think you have to choose between the two.” Formula E has stated its long-term commitment to offering increased opportunities for women, both on the track and in simulators. Additionally, the organization is initiating a new research project in collaboration with More Than Equal, an entity founded by former F1 driver David Coulthard, dedicated to supporting and nurturing female talent. Dodds further remarked, “If I were a betting man, I would place a bet on us having a woman world champion before Formula 1.”