Lisa Billard, sixth on the grid for the F1 Academy in Shanghai: "A great opportunity for a podium finish"

Following the first qualification of the season in F1 Two observations remain regarding the Academy. The first is that the most experienced drivers on the grid (Alba Larsen, Alisha Palmowski, and Emma Felbermayr, starting their second season) still benefit from a significant pace advantage. On the other hand, as evidenced by the results of Payton Westcott (fourth) and Lisa Billard (sixth), the potential for improvement among the rookies could quickly pose problems for the favorites.

In her first race in the category, Lisa Billard secured a Top 5 qualifying position on the narrow and treacherous streets of Singapore. In a completely different vein, the ART Grand Prix driver maintained her pace, finishing close behind the most anticipated drivers on the grid.

"I'm really happy with this morning's result. We were fifth. Then, qualifying went really well. The goal was fifth position, but sixth isn't bad for a first attempt." does she put things into perspective?"Tomorrow, it'll be a reverse grid, I'll be starting third. It's shaping up to be a great experience and a great opportunity for a podium finish. I can't wait for tomorrow, I'm eager to be back on track!"

Indeed, by qualifying sixth on the grid, Lisa Billard will benefit from an advantageous position in Race 1. Taking the inside or outside line of the first corner, she will try to overtake Prema driver Natalia Granada, as well as the Dutch driver supported by... Alpine, Nina Gademan.

This first race of the weekend in F1 Academy will be available to follow from 6:30 am (French time), a few moments after the F1 Sprint, and before the qualifying for the Chinese Grand Prix.

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