Pulling sealed the F1 Academy title with three races remaining

Abbi Pulling won the F1 Academy title on Saturday after ending second in the primary race of the Losail round.

Pulling arrived in Qatar knowing she needed just 18 points from the last two weekends to win the F1 Academy title, no matter what arch rival Doriane Pin might achieve.

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Defeated in qualifying by Pint, supported by Mercedes and Ferrari representative Maya Weug, Pulling finished third on the grid on Saturday evening – from the identical place from which he’ll start on Sunday. It was the primary time an Alpine junior had didn’t qualify in the highest two places all season.

However, this was rectified within the second corner of the race when, after a robust start, Pulling managed to get around Weug and take second place, where she scored 18 points and won the F1 Academy title, despite ending behind Pin.

“It was a more difficult season than most people think,” said the Briton. “Starting this 12 months, I had no alternative but to win.

“I've had financial problems prior to now and didn't manage to win the award next 12 months – I understand it's too early to discuss next 12 months, however it makes me comfortable and incredibly proud.

“It wasn't a straightforward race. I'm glad I persevered firstly and continued playing.

Asked if she felt relieved after making the important thing pass to Weug within the opening rallies, she added: “I didn't feel relief, I felt adrenaline and I thought, 'OK, here we go.' I thought, “Maya, I'm sorry, you won't pass.” I actually liked it.”

Pulling has been a pattern that has been consistent throughout the season, with us winning seven of the ten races leading as much as the weekend in Qatar.

The dominance got here as something of a surprise after Pin took control on the opening weekend in Jeddah, which might have meant the Frenchwoman would have claimed a double victory had it not been for the odd situation that saw her take the checkered flag twice within the second race of the season at this event.

Interestingly, Pulling boasts an exceptional 100% podium record this season and has only dropped out of the highest two places once – on the second race in Zandvoort.

Her persistence in running on the front was such that her first lap pass at Weug in Qatar was her first on-track pass of the season.

Qualifying was equally impressive, with seven pole positions.

Once the title is secured, Pulling is given a fully-funded GB3 seat with Rodin Motorsport – the identical team she has raced for this season – in addition to a 20-day testing program in the identical automobile in support of her campaign.

“Honestly, it takes a huge weight off my shoulders,” she said. “Every 12 months I enter winter pondering, 'What am I going to do next?'

“It was me and my dad, and recently I've managed to get riders like Alpine and Rodin to essentially motivate me. Everyone was on my side and helped me get this far, and this can help me in the subsequent step.

“I'm going to go into next year as hungry as I was this year, put in the real work and make the most of the opportunity.”