W Series will take part in its first ever race in Asia this weekend at the Singapore Grand Prix.
Runaway Championship leader Jamie Chadwick got off to a perfect start in practice, but Abbi Pulling was hot on her heels.
The 19-year-old rising star is currently challenging for second place in the 2022 Championship, and a strong performance in Sunday's night race could give her a big boost.
Asia debut for W Series
As it stands, there are just three points between the three P2 contenders, while Chadwick leads the pack way out in front with 143 points.
Alice Powell and Beitske Visser are tied in second and third respectively with 68 points, while Pulling is fourth on 65.
After Friday's practice session, Pulling found herself half a second behind leader Chadwick, with Powell a further two tenths adrift in third.
"I'm super excited for Singapore. I was disappointed that Japan was taken off the calendar because Suzuka is a very unique track, but what's a better replacement than Singapore?" Puling told GiveMeSport Women.
"I've been training to try to adapt to the humidity. I did my first proper sim session and it all went really well, it's a very fun circuit, very technical.
"It's going to be tough but I think it will be a really good challenge and it'll come down to whoever gets their confidence throughout the track the quickest. I think."
SINGAPORE, SINGAPORE - SEPTEMBER 30: Abbi Pulling of Great Britain and Racing X (49) drives on track during practice ahead of W Series Round 6 at Marina Bay Street Circuit on September 30, 2022 in Singapore, Singapore. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
Indeed, the W Series drivers have been working hard to adapt to Singapore's challenging conditions, including its humidity and the 23-corner track.
If two-time champion Chadwick can win at the first W Series night race this weekend, she will wrap up her third title. But Pulling is eager to put in a strong performance and she could force her compatriot to wait a little longer for the trophy.
"I don't think it's completely impossible for us to win the Championship but Jamie will have to come up with quite a shocker of an end of the season," Pulling laughed.
"But the battle for P2 is on and I know that we all want it really badly. It's going to be really close and I'm really excited to be up against Alice and Beitske who have experience being in a Championship title battle. It will make for a good show, definitely."
Abbi Pulling celebrates on the podium during W Series race two at Circuit of The Americas on October 24, 2021 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
The Formula 1 dream
Pulling was recently selected to take part in a Formula 3 test event, alongside W Series peers Chloe Chambers and Nerea Martí.
Opportunities to build up her portfolio is something that will help the 19-year-old climb the ladder towards her Formula 1 dream.
Much like W Series champion Chadwick, Pulling is eager to break through the glass ceiling and push to become one of, if not the first, woman to race in F1 since 1976.
"It's really reassuring to see that my hard work is being recognised. It was amazing to work in such a nice environment and work with the engineers who are very incisive and help you get faster and faster. It was all round a pretty great day," Pulling said, reflecting on her F3 test.
The Brit, who competes for Racing X in the W Series, has previously raced in Formula 4, where she earned five podiums in 32 starts. However, due to lack of funding, Pulling was forced to withdraw from F4.
While it was certainly a disappointing blow for the young driver, she has not let it dampen her spirit and dedication to proving her ability.
"I think there is a chance that I could go further in single seaters and everyone around me who are giving me more opportunities obviously see the potential too and I'm really dedicated to showing that a female can race at the highest levels of motorsport.
"We're all doing that at W Series — we're all showing we can race at a high level.
BARCELONA, SPAIN - MAY 21: Race winner Jamie Chadwick of Great Britain and Jenner Racing (C) Second placed Abbi Pulling of Great Britain and Racing X (L) and Third placed Alice Powell of Great Britain and Click2Drive Bristol Street Motors Racing (R) celebrate on the podium during the W Series Round 2 race at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on May 21, 2022 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
"I was already motivated before the tests but now after sitting in the car and doing the laps, it's just made me ten times hungrier.
"Formula 1 is the ultimate goal and I'm really pushing to get there. I think anyone in single seaters has the same ambition — to go all the way to F1."
The W Series Singapore Grand Prix will be shown live on Sky Sports Formula 1 on Sunday, October 2nd at 09.35 BST.