Nerea Marti becomes the eighth F1 Academy Race winner

Campos Racing’s Nerea Martí won her first race of the season in style in Paul Ricard as she executed a perfect start to jump Rodin Carlin’s Abbi Pulling and secure a commanding victory.

It was a great start to the day for the Spanish team as they achieved a double podium and points for all three drivers for the first time in a race this year.

As the lights went out, Martí’s electric reactions meant that she flew into Turn 1 ahead of pole-sitter Pulling. The Rodin Carlin driver did well to hold off both Lovinfosse and ART Grand Prix’s Léna Bühler early on, but her defence would ultimately cost her as she fell to far from the Campos Racing car out front.

Further down the field, it was difficult start for Rodin Carlin’s Jessica Edgar who fell five places and would eventually have to pit for a change of front wing.

Martí, who took a podium in Race 3 at Monza, extended her lead to over two seconds by Lap 4 while behind her there was a three-way scrap for P4 among the title contenders with series leader Marta García chasing both Hamda Al Qubaisi and Bühler.

The victor would be the Swiss driver, who managed to hold off her rivals to take P4, ahead of starting from on pole in Race 3 later this afternoon.

It wasn’t all plain sailing however for Spaniard Martí, who was slowly being caught by Pulling throughout and the British driver would get within just 1.2 seconds as the chequered flag waved.

Lovinfosse secured her second podium finish of the season with a P3 finish while García’s lead was marginally cut at the top by H. Al Qubaisi as we enter into the final five races of the season.

Nerea Martí – Race 1 Winner

“I am feeling really good. Finally P1. I have worked a lot, and finally I got the position. I overtook Abbi at the start and created a gap and was consistent with the gap. In Race 3 I will be starting P5 and I have opportunities to be on the podium."

As it stands

The Race 1 win for Marti has moved her level with Pulling in P4. García’s lead at the top meanwhile is cut to 34 points – with just 38 available, the title battle looks set to head to Austin for Round 7. With all three drivers scoring points, Campos Racing have also closed the gap on the teams in front in the Teams’ Standings.

What’s Next

Race 2 starts at 12:35 where MP Motorsport’s Amna Al Qubaisi starts on pole as she look to close the gap on the Top 5 in the standings.