Rain or Shine: Testing with Alpine in the UK

14 August 2023

Last week I had a great opportunity to go to the Whilton Mill circuit in the United Kingdom for testing with the Alpine Rac(h)er programme, and it was wet – very wet.

In the UK, they have quite a lot of rain so they are used to it. For me, it was a new challenge to adapt to these conditions but it was also great practice for me to experience what it’s like when there’s so much water on the track.

During the two days, we were able run different qualifying and race simulations which was fun. I was also excited to learn from other drivers like Macauley Bishop who is one of the best in the UK in Junior Rotax. My times weren’t far off his during some of the tests, so that was a nice feeling. 

Whilton Mill was a new track for me and the Rotax engine is different to what I’m used to in my normal OKJ kart. That meant I had a lot to learn. Combining that with the weather made for some fun moments. For example, on the second day of the test we were sent out on a fully wet track with slicks on to learn about grip levels!

Having zero grip was strange for me and I found it hard to adapt. But, despite finding it frustrating not to be able to drive faster, I know it was useful practice for the future. 

I will never like not going fast though. I love going fast and I know I can go faster. With every practice it will get better and better, and I know I can keep achieving good results.

Although the testing was sometimes challenging in new conditions, the overall experience of working with Alpine was something I will really treasure. I got to work with amazing coaches and the other drivers were all brilliant as well. I loved getting to hear about the history of each coach, their experience and where they have raced.

Abbi Pulling, an F1 Academy driver, told us about a race in the rain where she only adjusted her driving in one particular corner and managed to go from P20 to P3! It’s inspiring to have the opportunity to learn from great drivers like her.

This week, I will be competing in the Swiss OKJ Championship round in Levier, France and I’m looking forward to taking everything I learned at Whilton Mill onto the track there.

I am feeling positive about my chances and given my experiences last week, I will be prepared to win in any condition – even if it rains.