Alpine adds F3 racer Sophia Floersch to Academy

Alpine has confirmed that it has signed up German F3 racer Sophia Floersch as a late addition to its Driver Academy.

Earlier this week, the French manufacturer announced the young chargers that will race this season with the support of Alpine's Academy.

The selection features seven young hopefuls led by FIA Formula 2 racers Jack Doohan and Victor Martins, but also includes 19-year-old female racer Abbi Pulling.

Floersch has joined the group ahead of her onslaught on the 2023 FIA Formula 3 Championship with PHM Racing by Charouz.

Read also: Alpine Academy announces expanded class of 2023

Floersch, whose near-fatal horror crash in the Macau Grand Prix in 2018 unwillingly earned her overnight fame, last raced in F3 with Campos in 2020.

"Joining the Alpine Academy is an honour and a major opportunity in my career," Floersch said.

"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."

Floersch's enrolment is part of the 'Race(H)er' programme launched by Alpine last summer which is dedicated to increasing female representation in all sectors of its company.

Alpine transformative programme aims to take advantage of a pool of female talent whose skills and experience are a real performance differentiator.

"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," commented 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."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.