Nissan has made an official announcement regarding its driver lineup for the upcoming Miami Rookie Free Practice session, setting itself apart as the sole team to deploy two drivers during this crucial practice opportunity. The Japanese automaker has selected Abbi Pulling and Gabriele Mini to take the wheel of the advanced GEN3 Evo cars, showcasing a strategic move to maximize track time and data collection.
Nissan's Dual Driver Strategy for Miami Event
This decision marks a significant tactical approach by Nissan, as they will be the only Formula E team to field two drivers in the Rookie Free Practice session. The event is scheduled for January 30, just one day before the highly anticipated Miami E-Prix, which serves as Round 3 of the Formula E championship. Both Pulling and Mini bring distinct backgrounds and proven capabilities to the track, promising an exciting showcase of emerging talent.
Abbi Pulling's Fourth Outing with Nissan Formula E Team
Abbi Pulling, who serves as Nissan's dedicated simulator driver, will be making her fourth appearance behind the wheel of the Nissan e-4ORCE 05 Formula E car. The 22-year-old British driver has consistently demonstrated her skills, excelling notably during the Women's Test earlier in the season and delivering an impressive performance at the Valencia test. Her experience with the team and the vehicle positions her as a valuable asset for this session.
Reflecting on her return to the Nissan Formula E car, Pulling expressed her enthusiasm, stating, "It's a pleasure to be back on track with the Nissan Formula E Team, and I feel very fortunate to be working with such a great outfit. I'm delighted to be trusted with this Rookie Free Practice session, as it will be the first official running at a brand-new circuit for Formula E, so data collection will be crucial."
She further elaborated on her familiarity with the car, adding, "This is now my fourth outing in the Nissan e-4ORCE 05, and alongside my work in the simulator, I feel I've developed a strong understanding of the car." Regarding the Miami International Autodrome circuit, Pulling shared her previous racing experience there in F1 Academy and emphasized her goals for the session: "I've raced at the Miami International Autodrome before in F1 Academy, and even though the track layout will be different, it will be a great spectacle across the weekend. My goal for the session is to complete my run plan and put the team in a strong position heading into the rest of the event."
Gabriele Mini Returns After Berlin Success
Gabriele Mini, the 20-year-old FIA Formula 2 racer, returns to the Nissan Formula E Team following his standout performance at last year's Berlin Rookie Test, where he topped both sessions. His proven pace and learning ability make him a formidable contender for the Miami practice. Mini has previously showcased his racing prowess in the GEN3 Evo, and his return signals Nissan's confidence in his potential.
Commenting on his participation, Mini said, "It feels great to be back with the Nissan Formula E Team in Miami for the Rookie Free Practice session. I'm looking forward to getting back behind the wheel of the GEN3 Evo car after Jeddah and Berlin last year. We showed strong pace in both sessions, and I learned a lot, so I'm aiming for more of the same this time around."
He highlighted the importance of data gathering for the new circuit, noting, "The Miami track will be new for the teams, so the main goal of the session is to gather as much data and information as possible for the rest of the weekend."
Strategic Implications for Formula E Round 3
The Miami Rookie Free Practice represents a critical opportunity for Nissan to fine-tune their strategy and car setup ahead of the main race. By deploying two drivers, the team aims to collect extensive data on the new circuit layout, which could provide a competitive edge in the upcoming E-Prix. This session not only allows rookies like Pulling and Mini to gain valuable track experience but also enables the team to test various configurations and gather insights that could influence race-day decisions.
As Formula E continues to evolve with events like the Miami E-Prix, such practice sessions become increasingly vital for teams to adapt to new challenges and optimize performance. Nissan's proactive approach with a dual-driver lineup underscores their commitment to innovation and success in the electric racing series.
