Pin aiming for perfection in Miami after outsmarting rivals on way to Race 1 victory

Doriane Pin might have stolen the show with victory from sixth on the grid in Race 1, but the Mercedes driver says she’s going to need all her wits about her if she hopes to replicate the feat on Sunday.

From her previous experience, Pin knew that only being fast around the Miami International Autodrome wouldn’t be enough for the win to go her way.

Outsmarting those around her, the Frenchwoman emerged from the opening corner chaos unscathed, battled her way past polesitter Emma Felbermayr and held her nerve on a late restart to take home the win.

Turning a P6 start into the top step of the podium, Pin celebrated her success after struggling to keep up with 2024 Champion and two-time Miami race winner Abbi Pulling at the American track last year.

“It’s pretty special — my first reverse grid win,” she said. “I’m really happy, a good relief! I think we were smart today from Quali to Race 1. We avoided the cars at the start and then the pace was good until the Safety Car.

“Then it was a bit more tricky, but it was well managed. The Safety Car restart was positive and we won, so I’m really happy. It’s good points for the Standings, fastest lap of the race and good for the team. We worked hard to come back stronger here in Miami after challenging races last year.”

That foresight and understanding paid off in her fight with Felbermayr, with Pin opting to yield on the first lap as the Safety Car was deployed mid-move. A back-and-forth battle ensued on the restart, with Pin eventually getting through after a mistake from the Kick Sauber driver sent her wide at Turn 1.

READ MORE: RACE 1: Pin charges her way through to clinch victory in Miami

“I think I was in front before the first Safety Car, but we didn’t have any information,” she explained. “I didn’t want to get any penalty for these kinds of things, but I knew we were faster than her, so I overtook once.

“Then she kind of braked mega late, but we were much faster. Then we passed (her), I played smart and it paid off. So, (it was) really good and pretty happy to have taken the lead. Obviously, when you’re in front it’s easier, but you still have to be fast and manage.”

Pin’s victory celebrations won’t last too long, as the Mercedes driver has already turned her focus towards Race 2 on Sunday.

Whilst her nearest title rival, Maya Weug, finds herself stuck in the midfield in P10, Pin has another shot of winning within touching distance.

Lining up in P3, the 21-year-old has less ground to make up but with Campos Racing’s Chloe Chambers and Alisha Palmowski in front she’s expecting an even tougher fight ahead.

“Today was a really good race start,” she noted. “So, I hope we’re going to have the same one tomorrow or even better. We can maybe have an opportunity at the start, but we have the pace to be in front.

“Campos are strong, so it’s going to be a close battle but we have the pace. I’m looking forward to it and I hope I will bring (home) a second win to do a perfect weekend.”