Abbi Pulling continued her integration into the Nissan Formula E setup by taking part in the 2025 Berlin Rookie Test at the Tempelhof Airport Street Circuit. Pulling, the 2024 F1 Academy Champion and current GB3 driver, holds the role of rookie and simulator driver for Nissan under a multi-year development agreement. She impressed at the 2024 women’s test in Jarama by topping the timesheets. Now, she continues to build on that momentum by gaining valuable on-track experience through Nissan’s full testing programme. She actively contributes to car development both technically and strategically as she deepens her understanding of Formula E machinery.
Progressing from Jarama to Berlin
Pulling reflected on the evolution from her successful women’s test in Jarama to participating in the full Formula E rookie test — a move that signals Nissan’s commitment to developing her talent.
“Yeah, I mean this morning we were doing a lot of test items for the team, so more pace to come in the afternoon, but just to get closer and closer.”
She acknowledged the milestone of stepping into a full team testing role as a natural but important progression from her earlier experience.
“Obviously, the women’s test was great and having that, but this was the next step doing the full rookie test with the Nissan Formula E team, especially after my new role with them being a sim and rookie driver.”
While the Berlin test allows Pulling to gain more meaningful mileage and offer technical feedback that will influence development. It was also a chance for her to integrate further into Nissan’s Formula E operations, a crucial step in her long-term adaptation to the series.
Inspired by champions, guided by mentors
The weekend of the Berlin rookie test was also a high point for the team, as Nissan’s Oliver Rowland secured the Formula E Drivers’ Championship. Pulling spoke about the emotions of witnessing the triumph and its influence on her mindset.
“Yeah, it is incredible. I have been following all weekend and it was an emotional weekend. There are some lows, but obviously a massive fight at the end. Having Ollie win the title, obviously a fellow Brit as well, is really nice.”
Pulling was quick to acknowledge the value of support from her Nissan teammates, particularly Rowland and Sérgio Sette Câmara, who offered insights to guide her debut in the rookie test.
“And yeah, I mean the team, I just cannot thank them enough for letting me be involved and helping me. And the boys as well, Sérgio and Ollie, for giving some advice for today.”
Their experience offered her a strong foundation to approach the session with confidence, even as she continued learning the nuances of the Gen3 Evo car.
Looking ahead to potential future in Formula E
Pulling is currently competing in the GB3 Championship, but her recent commitment to Nissan underlines her growing interest in pursuing a long-term future in Formula E.
“Yeah, I mean me taking the role with Nissan, of course I am looking at it as a really viable role and a viable path. And yeah, it is really exciting and after the Women’s Test in Jarama, the push for getting more females involved, especially female drivers from Jeff Dodds and Formula E as a whole is massive.”
She praised the atmosphere of the women’s test and the support shown across the Formula E paddock.
“I mean to have the 11 teams agree to put on that test for us was such a great thing and it is just such a wonderful atmosphere, and everyone is welcoming with open arms and the team have got so much respect for me and treat me as if I am another driver, which is really nice.”
Despite the warm welcome, Pulling remains clear-eyed about the demands of earning a full-time seat in Formula E.
“And of course it would be nice to join the grid one day, but I will say in the distance I have still got a lot of work to do to get to that, there is a lot to learn with these cars, a lot to manage and I have to say I have got so much capacity to drive it. Sexcited to kind of take that challenge on.”
Her realistic assessment of the learning curve ahead illustrates both humility and drive.
Celebrating success with focus on the future
While the Nissan team celebrated Rowland’s title victory, Pulling revealed that her focus remained on preparation for the next day’s test session. Her professionalism and discipline stood out.
“I mean, a lot of them cracked open a few beers and I mean, even, maybe if it was a cocktail, I would have been more inclined, but no, I did not join in.”
Instead, she acknowledged the hard work put in by the engineers, even amid celebrations.
“They are all actually prepping the car ready for today, so it is still celebrations to be had for the team. But I mean they deserve it, I feel bad for them that they have had to come here after it and not been able to have a bit of fun, but yeah they have got plenty of time for that soon.”
Abbi Pulling’s participation in the Berlin Rookie Test marks a significant step in her expanding motorsport journey. From topping the women’s test to joining Nissan under a multi-year development deal, her trajectory is both strategic and promising. Surrounded by champions and welcomed by one of Formula E’s leading outfits, Pulling is not only gaining the experience she needs — she is earning the respect of her peers. While a full-time Formula E seat may still lie on the horizon, she is clearly charting a purposeful course toward that future — and embracing every challenge along the way.
