Reserve driver Abbi Pulling will feature in the final two races of the 2021 W Series season, taking the second PUMA seat on the grid.
The 18-year-old will have the chance to end her debut campaign in style as she prepares to join the pack at the Circuit of the Americas.
Pulling made her first W Series appearance back in July – racing on the Formula 1 British Grand Prix undercard at Silverstone.
The Brit had been competing in Formula 4 but she was forced to cut her season short last month due to a lack of funding. However, this chance means she will get to race on one of the world's most famous circuits as the Series travels to Austin, Texas.
"It was a disappointing end to my British F4 campaign, but one door closes and another one opens and I’m excited to be back in the W Series car again," Pulling said. "I’ve been working hard to prepare for the Circuit of the Americas and, without having to focus on F4 too, I’ve had more time to refine my work and put all my energy into W Series."
Pulling's last outing with W Series was at Zandvoort for the Dutch Grand Prix, where she finished seventh, ahead of compatriot Sarah Moore and 2019 runner-up Beitske Visser.
Next on the roster is COTA, another brand new track for the teenager. Pulling will join her mentor and current series leader Alice Powell next weekend for the penultimate race.
“I’ve never been to COTA before and barely even knew which way the track went until I drove it on the simulator," she explained. "But I feel like I know it now and I like it a lot. Apart from the elevation changes, it’s not too dissimilar to Silverstone.
"Not many people have driven at COTA, so to be able to say that I have on a Formula 1 weekend is something special."
Pulling then discussed her form in the W Series this year, and commented on her improvement since her debut at the British GP where she finished ninth.
After improving by two places at Zandvoort, the PUMA driver is on a steady upwards trajectory, one that she believes could take her to a top ten finish at the end of the season.
"I’ve improved in every W Series race I’ve competed in so far and the aim is to maintain that run. If I do that, I think I can finish in the top 10 in the championship standings.
"I’m nine points off it with two races to go so it will be hard, but I love a challenge and if I can do it I’ll feel like I’ve won the championship."
The first race at the Circuit of the Americas in Texas will get underway on Saturday, October 23rd before the W Series 2021 season finale the following weekend.
