Oxfordshire youngster Alice Powell, who aims to be the first successful female to reach Formula One, is in danger of losing her dream after she confirmed today that she won't be racing for Manor Competition in the 2010 Formula Renault UK Championship.
17 year old Alice, who became the youngest ever competitor in the Championship when she registered last year, has run out of funds to continue in 2010, and is now looking to drop down to the Protyres Formula Renault BARC Championship to carry on her racing dream.
Alice, who sprung to prominence during her 2008 Ginetta Junior Campaign, where she took 4 podium finishes en route to 9th in the Championship, with her smooth style, her ability to recover from a bad situation and her approachable style, instantly made her a fans favourite. About her maiden car racing season, Alice had this to say: “Like most racing seasons you have highs and lows. For me, I had that, but as it was my first year in car racing I expected it. But to get podiums in my first year was fantastic!”
2009 saw her join Manor Competition for her Formula Renault debut, the same team that Lewis Hamilton and Kimi Raikkonen raced for in the Championship, and in a field of 29 cars, she wasn't overawed by the whole situation, and took to it like a duck to water, beating more experienced drivers in the races.
Alice had a brace of top 10 finishes, at Donington Park and Oulton Park, and both times these results meant that Alice was awarded the driver of the day award. Alice could have had even more top 10 finishes if it hadn't have been for bad luck.
At the end of the season, Alice finished 18th in the overall Championship, with 88 points and 6th in the Graduate Cup. About her successful 2009 season, Alice commented, saying: “I would have liked to have had more testing in the car, but because of my age I could not. However Manor did a fab job of helping me that season, but despite fast pace, the results did not come because of on track collisions. I learnt so much that season and I would like to thank Manor and all of my sponsors for their help. “
But now, 2010 sees Alice without a drive, and the end of her dream could be nigh without the backing to help get her dream back on track. Alice said this about missing the 2010 season: “I am very disappointed not to race in this championship this year. Money is very tight, and there are still many sponsorship opportunities. I hope to be out racing something this year.” It's about time a young lady was successful in Formula One, Alice has the potential to be that young lady, but without the backing, she'll never get there.
So if you can help, and want to be seen backing Britain's brightest female racer, please contact: [email protected] or visit www.alice-powell.com.
