F1 Academy’s extra Yas Marina race technically reopens title fight · RaceFans

F1 Academy’s decision to reinstate the race it was forced to cancel last weekend has technically reopened its championship fight.

Abbi Pulling originally clinched the championship in the opening race at Losail International Circuit last week by finishing second to rival Doriane Pin. The Alpine junior pulled 83 points clear of Pin with 82 available over the remaining races.

However the second race of the weekend on Sunday was cancelled due to barrier damage caused by the preceding Porsche Carrera Cup Middle East series. F1 Academy explored every option to reschedule the event during the weekend but found itself with no alternative and left Losail with only one of its two planned races complete.

Pin’s tally includes two points she scored by taking pole position for the second race at Losail. She retains these points even though the race never took place.

F1 Academy confirmed yesterday two points will be awarded for pole position in all three races this weekend. This means an extra two points will be awarded over the course of the season, and Pulling’s points total could therefore now be overcome.

The chances of this happening are extremely slim. Pulling has finished every race on the podium so far this year. In order for Pin to claim the title she would have to take pole position, set fastest lap and win all three of this weekend races while Pulling fails to score a single point.

F1 Academy was set up last year in order to encourage more women to participate in motorsport. The promoters chose to reschedule last weekend’s race out of a desire to ensure none of its competitors missed out on any track time.

The winner of this year’s championship will receive a fully funded drive in the GB3 series with Rodin Motorsport.