Abbi Pulling continues to make motorsport history while serving as an inspirational role model for the growing number of female racers encouraged to pursue careers in the sport.
Just two years after becoming the first female driver to win a round of the British F4 Championship, Pulling has rewritten the record books once again by becoming the first woman ever to win a GB3 Championship race.
The British driver, a long-standing beneficiary of the Motorsport UK Academy, converted a historic pole position into a commanding lights-to-flag victory at the formidable Spa-Francorchamps circuit, home of the Belgian Grand Prix.
“I’m absolutely over the moon,” said Pulling after her landmark achievement. “I always say I want to get places on merit and show that I can compete at the front no matter what, no matter the competition. I’ve done that today.
“I’m just happy I got racing; happy I got the result. I tried really hard. I can’t thank the Rodin Motorsport team enough and everyone around me.”
Pulling began her motorsport journey at the age of eight and entered competitive karting a year later in 2013. Her talent quickly became evident as she claimed the British Super 1 National Junior TKM Championship title in both 2017 and 2018 before making the transition to car racing.
Like many rising stars in the sport, Pulling gained valuable early experience in the highly competitive Ginetta Junior Championship before progressing to single-seaters. Her career highlights include winning the all-female F1 Academy championship in 2024, a success that further cemented her reputation as one of Britain’s most promising young drivers.
While her undeniable talent has enabled her to break new ground throughout her career, Pulling acknowledges the important role the Motorsport UK Academy has played in her development.
“The Motorsport UK Academy is so vital in a junior racing driver’s career,” she said. “It gives you a lot of support with technical aspects and also helps you understand the sport as a whole.”
Ambitious young racers interested in following a similar pathway and learning more about the Motorsport UK Academy’s selection criteria can find further information here.