Interview by Sergio Álvarez, photos by Ester Caballero
Under the high-altitude sun of San Sebastián de los Reyes, the air at the Circuito del Jarama still hummed with the electric residue of the first-ever Madrid E-Prix. But while the crowds had thinned after the main event, the stakes on Sunday, March 22, 2026, were just as high. This was the Rookie Test, a rare and vital window for the next generation of talent to tame the GEN3 Evo machinery.
Among the technical data and whirring pit garages, one name stood out: Abbi Pulling.
The 2024 F1 Academy Champion and current GB3 frontrunner isn’t just a guest in the paddock—she is a fundamental part of the Nissan Formula E Team’s ecosystem. Serving as their Simulator and Development Driver, Pulling swapped her virtual setup for the physical cockpit of the Nissan e-4ORCE 05, clocking an impressive 75 laps across the day.
Despite the undulating, technical nature of the 3.9km Jarama circuit—a track that demands absolute precision—Pulling looked immediately at home. She finished both sessions firmly in the top 10, proving once again that she possesses the raw pace and technical feedback required to bridge the gap between junior categories and the pinnacle of electric racing.
Sergio caught up with Abbi in the media pen shortly after her morning run to discuss the physical demands of the GEN3 Evo, all things Spanish, and what it’s like to help steer the development of a world-class racing team.
- The Venue: Circuito del Jarama, Madrid
- The Machine: Nissan e-4ORCE 05 (GEN3 Evo)
- The Stats: Abbi Pulling GBR Nissan Formula E 1:30.708, overall P11
Iberianmph: How do you rate Jarama compared to Valencia last November?
Abbi Pulling: The two circuits are very different. This circuit from last time (Formula E was here), I much prefer the (latest Jarama) chicane that they’ve done, they’ve added the kind of permanent tarmac chicane, it’s much nicer, much more fluid for the Formula E circuit. The old one was quite disruptive, let’s say, in the sense of your flow. But compared to Valencia, they’re both two very amazing Spanish tracks. The Spanish always have really good flow to them and their circuits. But it’s also annoying when you make a mistake, normally the next three corners are also affected. It’s small margin for error. This circuit was designed by the same person who designed Suzuka, which is really cool. You can see that through the flowing of the track.
Iberianmph: Was your testing programme similar to Valencia?
AP: From Valencia, there was some things that I needed to work on, which we’ve already started in a really great place. This circuit is a little bit different, there’s more higher-speed corners and that’s shown a few things in my driving that I needed to do. Other than that, it’s been a really productive morning. In the high-speed corners I’ve got to be more committed, whereas in Valencia there’s less high-speed (stuff) so it wasn’t that much of an issue.
Iberianmph: Full throttle then?
AP: If anyone does them (Jarama corners) flat, they’d all be in the wall. So no. Not quite full throttle but getting close to it, yes. Not even in the afternoon. I think Nissan wouldn’t be happy if I tried it flat.
Nissan Formula E press officer: If you could keep the car in one piece, that would be great.
iberianmph.com 