Nissan confirm Alpine duo for Formula E test

Nissan has confirmed Alpine Academy duo Sophia Flörsch and Abbi Pulling for next month's all-female Formula E test in Valencia. 

The Japanese manufacturer has opted to run two drivers in the special event at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo, with FE becoming the first-ever FIA championship to put on a test just for female talent. 

Flörsch competed in Formula 3 this year for Van Amersfoort Racing, with the 23-year-old's best result having been P11 in the Red Bull Ring feature race. 

She has experience not just in single seaters but also in endurance racing, having competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans on three occasions. 

“I’m very excited to have the chance to drive the most modern Formula E car," said Flörsch. "It’s going to be very different to my previous motorsport experiences, but I’m always curious to try new things.

" I’m highly motivated to get the most out of the test and do my all to help the team as they prepare for Season 11. 

"I’ll be spending time in the simulator to be as ready as possible for Valencia and allow me to extract all I can. Looking forward to getting out there and taking on this incredible opportunity!”

Pulling's next step

As mentioned, also testing Nissan's brand-new e-4ORCE 05 will be current F1 Academy championship leader, Pulling. 

Pulling has won seven of the 10 completed races in F1 Academy this year for Rodin Motorsport, and also became the first female driver to win a British F4 race. 

The 21-year-old has been eager to test an FE car, an opportunity she will receive on November 7.

“I’ve been wanting to drive a Formula E car for a long time, so to be given the chance to test the Nissan e-4ORCE 05 is a dream!" said Pulling. 

"I’m very excited to take on the challenge of learning the car with the guidance of the Nissan crew. There is a lot to learn and much more to manage so we will take it step by step. 

"It’s a completely different environment to what I’m used to, but the focus is on doing what the team ask of me and to enjoy a productive test together.”

In Valencia, both drivers will be integrated into Nissan's testing programme, whilst they have already been working with the team and gaining experience in the simulator in the outfit's new Paris workshop.