Alpine recruits first female driver as part of affiliate launch

Alpine has signed its first female driver to its young driver roster as the team launches the Alpine Affiliates programme.

Abbi Pulling is one of five drivers joining the initiative, which aimes to provide support to promising young drivers beginning their careers as well as giving the opportunity to be fed into the Alpine Academy.

Briton Pulling will compete in the W Series this year with a pole position already to her name in the championship, with multiple podiums in British F4 boosting her reputation.

The signing will allow Pulling to front the French manufacturer's push for inclusivity throughout its operations.

Joining Pulling in the new programme will be former academy driver Hadrien David, Bulgarian Nikola Tsolov - who is managed by Fernando Alonso - Japanese driver Kean Nakamura and Brazilian Matheus Ferreira.

Alpine Academy Director Mia Sharizman said: “We are very excited to announce our Alpine Affiliates programme which will work alongside the Academy from this year.

"The programme will help provide young racing drivers across the world with crucial support, career advice and training.

"We have five young drivers entering the programme this year as we welcome Abbi, Hadrien, Nikola, Kean and Matheus into our team.

"Longer term we envisage the Alpine Affiliate programme acting as a feeder for our Academy, as we strive to continue recruiting the most talented young drivers across the globe to future proof Alpine’s success in motor racing.”

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