The recent all-female test day at the Jarama Circuit marks a significant milestone in motorsport, particularly for women in racing. With the requirement for all eleven Formula E teams to feature at least one female driver, the event showcased the remarkable talents of 18 drivers as they took the wheel of the new Gen3 Evo cars. Among these talented competitors, Abbi Pulling emerged as a standout performer, posting the fastest lap time of 1m30.889s during the final hour of the three-hour testing session.
Pulling’s achievement is particularly noteworthy as this was her inaugural drive in a Formula E vehicle. Her performance placed her only 4.5 seconds shy of the best overall time recorded during the pre-season test, highlighting her potential in the sport. As the current leader of the F1 Academy points standings, she has the opportunity to secure the championship title at the upcoming Qatar round, which would grant her a fully-funded drive in the UK’s GB3 Championship for the next season. This could be a pivotal step for her career, reflecting the growing support for women in motorsports.
Behind Pulling, the competition remained fierce. Three-time W Series champion Jamie Chadwick secured second place, clocking in with a time just 0.320 seconds slower than Pulling while completing the most laps of the day at 39. Chadwick’s prior experience with Formula E machinery has undoubtedly equipped her with the skills necessary to thrive in this environment. Finishing closely behind in third was McLaren’s Bianca Bustamante, who became the first driver to break into the 1m32s range during the session. Her time left her trailing Pulling by 0.826 seconds, showcasing a tight competitive field.
Notably, Miki Koyama and Beitske Visser rounded out the top six, demonstrating the depth of talent present among the female drivers. However, the outing wasn’t without its challenges; Jessica Edgar’s incident brought the session to a halt, illustrating the risks and unpredictability that athletes face in motorsports.
The test also featured veteran drivers, such as Simona de Silvestro, who returned to Formula E after campaigning in the series during its Gen1 era. While she faced technical difficulties that limited her laps, her presence underscored the ongoing evolution of female representation in racing. Meanwhile, Lilou Wadoux, another promising talent, faced seat-related issues that prevented her from completing any laps, reminding us of the myriad factors that can influence performance.
As the formula moves towards a more inclusive future, the Jarama test stands as a beacon of what’s possible for women in motorsports. With renewed opportunities, enhanced support systems, and rising stars like Pulling and Chadwick, the landscape in motorsport is gradually shifting toward a more equitable representation of talent on the track. The challenges faced during this session emphasize the need for continuous improvements in technology and team dynamics, but the sheer talent displayed suggests that female drivers are ready to compete at the highest level. As we look forward to future races, the anticipation for these drivers to make their mark grows ever stronger.