Abbi Pulling Eyes Formula E Drive

Abbi Pulling’s rise through the ranks of motorsport took another step in Valencia last week, as the Nissan Formula E Team’s rookie and simulator driver set the second-fastest time in both sessions of Formula E’s all-women’s test.

The reigning F1 Academy champion completed 89 laps of the Circuit Ricardo Tormo in the team’s Nissan e-4ORCE 05, producing a best lap of a 1:22.831 to solidify both her pace and adaptability in one of motorsport’s most complex and demanding single-seaters.

It was Pulling’s third official outing for the team and part of Formula E’s second dedicated women’s test, which featured 14 drivers and offered six hours of track time — double that of last year’s event. The 22-year-old British driver’s performance reaffirmed her position as possibly one of the category’s most promising new-generation drivers.

Making her mark

Pulling was quick to establish herself near the top of the timing screens in both sessions, her best lap just 0.064s shy of Mahindra’s Chloe Chambers. But her focus, as she explained, went beyond lap times.

“I’m really pleased with the way the test went, and to set the second-quickest time in both sessions is a strong result,” Pulling told Formula E.

“My target was to break into the 1:22s and I’m pleased we did that, along with completing our entire program. One of my aims after my previous outings in the car was to improve my technique during race simulation in terms of energy management, which I definitely achieved.”

Energy management was a particular focus for the team’s work on Friday. Pulling balanced that with a mix of long runs, performance laps and pit stop training.

“It’s a physically demanding track,” she said. “But we made good progress as a team, and I hope what we did today will be beneficial for the squad moving forwards. I feel more comfortable in the car every time I drive, and it’s been great to be here with the team in Valencia as I continue my development.”

Nissan’s confidence grows

For Nissan, the Valencia test capped off a productive week following four days of official pre-season running with Oliver Rowland and Norman Nato. Team principal Tommaso Volpe said Pulling’s effort was a continuation of the progress she’s made since joining the program earlier this year.

“It was a very productive day, and we’re pleased with Abbi’s performance and all the work she put in,” Volpe said. “It was her third outing in the car and she’s making a lot of progress each time, which is great to see.”

The test included Pit Boost practice for the team, as well as a focus on Abbi’s technical performance in the car. Volpe also said Pulling’s engineer feedback was insightful and useful for the team.

Pulling’s relationship with Nissan began through simulator work and development sessions, where her technical understanding and consistency caught the attention of the team’s engineers. That collaboration has deepened through real-world testing opportunities, and her performances have given rise to growing speculation about whether a future full-time Formula E seat might be on the horizon.

Pulling – “It’s the pinnacle at the end of the day”

Pulling said her experiences in Formula E have provided new motivation and perspective.

“Formula E is something that is really attractive, and I’d like to one day be a driver in this series,” she told Formula E. “It’s a World Championship, and it’s the pinnacle at the end of the day.”

Although Pulling said discussions with Nissan have not arrived to that point yet, she sees those talks ahead on the horizon.

“With Nissan, we’ve not discussed that far ahead yet, but we’re working together to get to the point where I can go on and gather some experience and keep getting better, to open up that potential if I’m able to perform,” Pulling said.

“They’re giving me lots of support, and hopefully that can keep progressing in the future.”

Her recent results suggest she is doing exactly that. From topping the Madrid test to running within tenths of established Formula E pace in Valencia, Pulling has adapted quickly to the series’ unique combination of electric powertrains, complex software systems and regenerative braking demands.

Eyes on the future

Beyond the stopwatch, Pulling’s growth reflects a broader change in the landscape of professional motorsport. The structure of Formula E’s women’s tests, with greater integration between development drivers and race teams, mirrors the pathway that enabled her own Nissan opportunity to take shape.

“Being more involved behind the scenes [at Nissan] is really valuable,” she said.

“Tests like this help build those relationships and potential relationships going forward. For me, that’s how it formed with Nissan, and I’ve learned so much working with them. It’s a big operation.”

As the team now shifts focus toward the 2025–26 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship opener in São Paulo on December 6, Pulling’s growing presence in the Nissan camp has not gone unnoticed. Her combination of speed, technical intelligence and composure in high-pressure test environments has reinforced her credentials as one of the sport’s most versatile young drivers.

Whether her next step comes within Formula E or further up the single-seater ladder, Pulling’s trajectory continues to gather momentum — and, as she’s proving, a happy Abbi is still a fast Abbi.

Main photo: Alex Bierens de Haan/LAT Images (Formula E Media Bank)