05/01/2015 10:49
An inspirational and dedicated female motor racing driver has been given a huge boost thanks to Bristol Street Motors Renault in Gloucester.
Alice Powell, 21, from Chipping Norton, has agreed a one year deal with the Ramsdale Road dealership, to help pay the costs of her travel and accommodation when competing in China.
Alice, who has been involved in motor racing from the age of eight, began her love for the sport from a very young age and spent hours building tracks in her back-garden to race on. In 2009, Alice drove in the Michelin Formula Renault UK Championship, becoming the youngest female driver in a Formula Renault race.
Alice has since set a record in the fourth round of the 2010 Formula Renault BARC Championship by becoming the first female to win a Formula Renault race in the UK and later in the year became the first female to win a Formula Renault championship.
Alice now competes in the Asian Renault Series.
Alice, said: "I have always loved motor racing even from an early age, I even created my own red jumpsuit and raced in my back garden. When I couldn't get out on my bike I was watching motor racing on the television. I have been very lucky to live out my dream and compete in competitive motor racing, and it is great to see more woman competing at a high level in the world of sport.
"Unfortunately, competing in wonderful countries such as China can be very expensive, and this sponsorship has been vital in allowing me to continue racing cars. I still hold on to my dream of competing in the Formula One someday and I can't thank Bristol Street Motors enough for their support."
Allen Price, General Manager at Bristol Street Motors Renault in Gloucester, said: "What Alice has achieved, even at such a young age, is outstanding and we are proud we can contribute to her successful career in motor sports. It is brilliant to see more woman in what is a male dominated sport and Alice is an example to all female drivers.
"We wish Alice the best of luck in all of her upcoming challenges."
by: Becca Chaplin