In a significant development for both Abbi Pulling and the Nissan Formula E team, Pulling has secured a multi-year deal to take on the role of rookie test and simulator driver. This announcement was made on June 16, 2025, marking a new chapter for the 22-year-old British racer within the highly competitive electric racing series.
Pulling is set to participate in the annual rookie test held in Berlin, where she will have the chance to handle one of Nissan's Formula E cars. Her previous experience with Nissan includes a noteworthy performance during pre-season testing last November, where she showcased her potential by driving one of the team's vehicles as part of a requirement for teams to include women in at least one testing session.
"I’m really excited to be joining Nissan and extending our collaboration together, after driving for the squad during the all-women’s test in Jarama," Pulling remarked about her new role. Her enthusiasm reflects her growing connection with the team.
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She continued, "Everything the team did for me during the test was so professional. The time and effort put in to make sure I was prepared was great to see, and the crew were patient with me as a rookie." Pulling's experience during the test has certainly influenced her perspectives moving forward.
The unique nature of the Gen 3 Evo Formula E car has left a lasting impression on Pulling. "The 350kW mode in all-wheel drive was very fun to use. It’s different from anything I’ve driven before, and it took some time to adjust to the increased power," she noted. Her eagerness to engage with the simulator and participate on track in future events is palpable.
Tommaso Volpe, the team principal of Nissan Formula E, echoed Pulling’s sentiments, expressing his satisfaction with her addition to the team. "We’re very pleased to welcome Abbi to the team as our official rookie and simulator driver on a multi-year agreement," Volpe stated. He praised her performance during their previous collaboration at the all-women’s test in Madrid, noting, "We were very impressed with her speed, commitment, and professionalism."
Volpe emphasized that Pulling's quick adaptation to the car's dynamics and her ability to top the timesheets are indicative of her talent, saying, "She is very talented – she was able to adapt incredibly quickly to the car, which is difficult in every category but even more so in FE." This endorsement further solidifies Pulling's status as a promising newcomer.
Before stepping into her new role at Nissan, Pulling had been affiliated with the Alpine Formula 1 team, a relationship that began when she joined the Alpine Academy in 2022. Despite this connection, she made the decision to transition away from Alpine in February 2025, allowing her to fully embrace the opportunity with Nissan.
Pulling's career history includes racing in the all-female W Series during 2021 and 2022, where she secured a pole position and claimed three podium finishes. After competing two seasons in the F4-spec and all-female F1 Academy series, she emerged victorious in her second campaign with nine wins. Her remarkable track record also includes a win in British F4 while finishing seventh overall.
Currently racing in GB3 since moving back up to the Formula Regional level, Pulling's best finish has been fifth place across three rounds this season, a promising start as she builds on her emerging legacy in motorsports.