Doriane Pin tops Practice 1 and 2 for the F1 Academy 2024 Qatar GP ahead of championship rival Abbi Pulling and Wildcard entry Alisha Palmowski.
Abbi Pulling leads the F1 Academy Championship by almost 100 points as we enter the last two race weekends of the season, but it was Doriane Pin who was fastest in Practice 1 and 2.
After three days of testing in Lusail earlier this month, all the drivers, including Wildcard entry Alisha Palmowski, have had some on-track experience in Qatar.
As It Happened
All 16 cars were out on track under the lights in Qatar to take advantage of their last practice before qualifying.
Bianca Bustamante had a small spin on track, but she was able to quickly continue on track. The drivers started setting flying laps, a few having lock-ups and small moments.
Abbi Pulling jumped to first with a 1:56.453 during the first round of flying laps. Doriane Pin seemed to be struggling after topping the first practice session of the weekend.
Wildcard entry Alisha Palmowski improved to second with a 1:56.218, just two tenths behind championship leader Pulling. After Weug and Pulling set faster laps, Palmowski dropped down to third.
Multiple drivers were running wide as the track continued to improve. Bianca Bustamante was struggling in the first half of the session, over a second behind Pulling’s time.
The majority of the field was in the pits as we approached halfway through the practice session.
The Final Minutes
The drivers ventured back on track with new sets of tyres, ready to do qualifying simulations.
Lia Block set a great lap that put her less than a tenth behind Abbi Pulling. The times were tumbling as the drivers were continuing to improve in the last few minutes of practice.
Palmowski briefly sets the fastest time of the session before Weug went faster, setting a 1:55.253. Pin finally set a time enough for P1, Pulling half a tenth slower.
British Wildcard driver Palmowski once again set the fastest time, making her a driver to watch this weekend. While Abbi Pulling quickly went faster, Palmowski’s laps were impressive considering this is her first F1 Academy weekend.
Red Bull Junior Hamda Al Qubaisi was going slowly in front of Bustamante on her push lap, creating a close moment between the two.
Doriane Pin set the fastest lap of the session as the checkered flag waved in Practice 2 of the 2024 F1 Academy Qatar GP. Championship leader Abbi Pulling and Wildcard entry Alisha Palmowski rounded out the top three.
Photo Credit: Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team
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