At Magny-Cours, young women are making their mark with F3s

As in 2021, the promoter of the Formula 3 chose Nièvre and its international circuit of Magny-Cours for the 2nd edition of these days of driving exclusively reserved for 4 young women : Abbi Pulling, Hamda Al-Qubaisi, Nerea Martí and Chloe Chambers.

Last year, it was Prema and in particular the outgoing champion Dennis Hauger who supervised the two days of testing on the tricolor track. This year, it was logically ART Grand Prix and Victor Martins who were chosen to supervise and work with the four young women. On the program, long relays with race simulations, shorter runs but also qualifying simulations.

A rewarding first

On Friday, Abbi Pulling and Hamda Al-Qubaisi took the wheel of the Dallara No. 8 and 9 ART Grand Prix. Respectively entered in the W Series and FRECA, the two drivers were able to taste their first experience behind the wheel of an F3 before Nerea Martí and Chloe Chambers took over on Saturday.

« I discovered a lot, not only about the car, but also about myself, recognized Abbi Pulling, who had already had the opportunity to pilot a F1 last March in Saudi Arabia but also in July at Silverstone thanks to Alpine of which she is a member affiliate program. I arrived with a huge smile on my face, I had a lot of fun and it was really incredible to work with the F3 team. It was a productive day. The procedure for warming up the tires is quite different from what I'm used to. After our short stints in the morning, we could also feel the tire degradation taking effect. This gives an idea of ​​how the car reacts and how to overcome its effects. »

In addition to the physical challenge that a single-seater like F3 represents, Abbi Pulling was able to rely on the advice of Victor Martins. Freshly crowned, the Ile-de-France rider was present in Nièvre to bring all his expertise and allow his counterparts to progress throughout his day of riding. “ Victor was really helpful, even in the smallest details, underlines the Englishwoman. He guided me through the race simulation, he told me to go for it as the tire degradation wouldn't be as bad as I thought. When I hesitated in the fast corners, he told me to trust the car. »

Victor Martins brought all his expertise to the 4 young women over two days. ©Formula Motorsport Limited

Encouraging results

With these tests, the F3 promoter wants to allow female drivers to have more visibility but also help them access the single-seater pyramid more easily. On the management side, the first feedback from these two days of testing is rather positive and encouraging. “ What was interesting was to see that they all had different profiles and to see how they adapted to the car, confided to us Didier Perrin, technical director of the F2 and F3. For our part, we wanted to see what we could do to facilitate their adaptation. We are happy with the information collected because physical challenges such as pedals or steering wheel did not visibly pose a problem for them. So there was no physical barrier. They were able to express their know-how without being limited by physical appearance. Its very important for us. » We will now have to see if this type of test will allow young women to access F3 more easily and quickly in the coming years.

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