F3 driver Florsch joins Alpine’s F1 academy

Alpine has confirmed that Sophia Florsch has joined its academy for the 2023 season.

Florsch will race full-time in the FIA Formula 3 Championship this year with PHM Racing by Charouz, having competed in the 2020 campaign with Campos Racing.

Abbi Pulling is also a member of the academy, ahead of the inaugural season of F1 Academy – a new, all-female racing category.

“Joining the Alpine Academy is an honour and a major opportunity in my career,” Florsch said. 

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“I have great ambitions and I am sure by applying the knowledge and expertise from Alpine, it will only help me grow. 

“I can’t wait to start this new chapter and represent the Alpine brand on the global stage.”

Alpine asserts that Florsch’s arrival is part of its plan to “expand its opportunities to young talents, especially in upping its game for the World Endurance Championship and Le Mans 2024”.

As part of Alpine’s wider Rac(H)er programme, six females have joined its karting programme. They are Aiva Anagnostiadis, Angélina Proenca, Chiara Battig, Lisa Billard, Maria Chiara Nardelli and Kaur Kera Sukhmani.

“Rac(H)er is key in our continuous quest for performance, to build the future of our industry by driving real change and creating equal and fair opportunities across a range of human talents,” said Alpine CEO Laurent Rossi. 

“Sophia and Abbi, for example, are a fine example of such talents. I am delighted that Sophia is joining our programme and it’s an honour to promote Abbi to the Academy. Both drivers, I am sure, will bring a lot to Alpine.”

Florsch’s F3 return will commence at the start of March at the Bahrain International Circuit.

The German driver was present at the venue across the last three days during pre-season testing.