Pulling makes it eight podiums in a row to extend championship lead

Abbi Pulling extended her lead at the top of the Formula One Academy Championship with a win and a third place in Zandvoort, Netherlands.
The Rodin Carlin racer was again in form, topping the time sheets in both practices before enjoying her fifth consecutive pole position in the rain affected, qualifying session.
She was edged out by nearest title challenger Dorianne Pin for race two, something she told the F1 Academy website she was disappointed with.
The pole proved crucial in both races with Pulling moving away from the field to comfortably win race one after it was moved from Saturday to Sunday due to the conditions.
She certainly wasn’t sleepy for the 8.30am start opening up a gap of nine tenths by lap three before making three seconds two laps later.
Pulling strolled to the victory over Pin who was then given a five second penalty for a false start on the grid, demoting the French driver to fifth.
Pin made sure her second pole proved decisive though in the second race that happened just a couple hours later.
Like Pulling before her, she led from flag to finish.
The Alpine-backed Gosberton racer endured a slow start and found herself behind Dutch driver Maya Weug.
Despite battling for second place throughout the race, Pulling had to settle for third position, her lowest finish of the season so far, but it also ensured she’s been on the podium in eight consecutive races.
“It was an amazing weekend,” Pulling said. “I’ve increased the gap in the championship and that was the main thing.
“It was P1 with a comfortable gap and P3 which I was a bit disappointed with.
“I think there was the opportunity to win it.
“We had the pace for sure, I just didn’t get the start quite right.
“At the end of the day it’s still been an amazing weekend and I walk away feeling happy and looking to continue the momentum going forward.”
It’s over halfway through the season now with Pulling holding a 71-point lead over Pin and three rounds remaining.
They’re all in Asia with Singapore on September 20 to 22 followed by Lusail in Qatar on November 29 to December 1 and Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, UAE, the weekend after that.

more >

Fire in Moulton Chapel

9 Oct 2024

Second-half strikes bring Tigers’ run to an end

9 Oct 2024

Dean urges Tulips to cut out lapses

9 Oct 2024

Spirit not enough to save Knights

9 Oct 2024

Baker blooms with a match-winning treble

9 Oct 2024

Maplethorpe is at centre of five-star performance

9 Oct 2024