Four female drivers completed a total of 100 laps throughout the two days as they completed the F3 test with the aid of Victor Martins.
In early September, F3 promoters announced that four female drivers would partake in a one-day test at Magny-Cours, France. The four included Abbie Pulling, Hamda Al-Qubaisi, Chloe Chambers, and Nerea Marti. Marti was a late addition replacing the injured Tereza Babickova. On hand to help with the test was current Formula 3 champion, Victor Martins.
Day 1 – Abbie Pulling, Hamda Al Qubaisi
On Friday, W-Series driver Abbie Pulling and FREC driver Hamda Al Qubaisi opened the test. Each achieved fifty laps as they were tasked with testing three sets of slick Pirelli tires. They gained confidence with installation laps, short laps, and data analysis.
As the afternoon began, Pulling and Qubaisi headed out for a qualifying run and a 12-lap race simulation.
Didier Perrin, FIA F3 Technical Director praised both drivers:
“Abbi and Hamda did a great job today. They adapted quickly to the car, its challenges and were able to give us some valuable feedback. They were very eager to learn as much as possible, and it’s been a pleasure to work with both.”
Abbie Pulling commented:
“There was a lot to learn today, not only about the car, but also about myself. I came here with a big smile on my face. I really enjoyed it a lot. It’s been really amazing to work with the F3 team. It’s been a productive day.
Hamda Al-Qubaisi commented:
“Honestly, it’s been such an amazing experience. I want to thank everyone who made this possible… The first outing, I was shocked with the speed and the downforce. I am amazed how it works. Step by step, I was getting more confident in the car, I tried to improve my laps and my driving. I’m really happy with how the day went. I think it is a really good step forward, and I had a really good feeling with the car. I think for the future, this test will help a lot. This is a taste of what an FIA F3 car is. To have this feeling is important for my future. If I am to step up to this Championship, I would say today really helped me a lot.
Our two-day test at Magny-Cours is under way! 🤩
Hamda Al Qubaisi and Abbi Pulling are first to get a taste of #F3 machinery 💪#F3Testing pic.twitter.com/6kZBsJryFl
— Formula 3 (@Formula3) September 16, 2022
Day 2 – Chloe Chambers, Nerea Marti
On Saturday, the W-Series duo Chloe Chambers and Nerea Marti had their turn. Marti had already completed a Formula 3 test last year so she was more comfortable compared to her competitor. Both drivers also completed fifty laps and completed the same tasks as Pulling and Al-Qubaisi.
Didier Perrin commented:
“It’s been another positive day, today. Both Chloe and Nerea were very focused on the job, and they made the most out of this test. We can already see how beneficial it has been for them, but also for Abbi Pulling and Hamda Al Qubaisi. It was very important for us to get all four drivers’ feedback on the car, their feeling at the wheel, and what we need to consider in order to improve it even further.”
Chloe Chambers commented:
“It went pretty well. I definitely learned a lot, I made some improvements, and it was good to just experience this, especially in a car that’s so different to everything else I’ve driven. It was good to get a taste of it.”
Nerea Marti commented:
“The day was amazing. I learned a lot. Compared to my test last year, I made a lot of improvements. This year, I learned more on extracting the best of the old tyres. With new tyres, I need to put everything together because the Pirelli tyres are tricky to master. But I’m very happy, I think I gave my all.”
We're up and running for day two of the test! 🙌
Chloe Chambers and Nerea Marti are getting up to speed at Magny-Cours 🤩#F3 #F3Testing pic.twitter.com/QtIrVxodCY
— Formula 3 (@Formula3) September 17, 2022
