MOTOR RACING: Alice Powell shows promise in Barcleona (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Former Cotswold School student getting to grips with GP3 series

12:19pm Wednesday 16th May 2012 in Sport

ALICE POWELL finished in a superb 11th place in Race Two of the GP3 series in Barcelona, charging through the field from 25th on the grid.

The former Cotswold School (Bourton) pupil had never been to the Spanish circuit before as she missed the pre-season test there due to budget difficulties.

But she belied that inexperience in the race.

On Saturday, morning, the 26-car field headed out for qualifying, with Alice securing P18 on the grid for Race One.

Sadly, after making two places at turn one, her race was cut short at the next corner when she was hit from behind by another car.

She therefore had to start from the back of the grid in race two but managed another fantastic start to be 13th at the end of the first lap.

After losing a tough battle with Kevin Ceccon (who has tested in Formula One), Powell made another two spots due to two drivers ahead of her receiving drive-through penalties, which promoted her to P11.

From there on, Alice lapped within a split second of the leader’s pace and by the end was catching the pack in front.

A thrilled Alice said: “What a weekend! I have learnt so much and still have plenty to learn about the car.

“It was a big shame about Race One, but the Status GP crew did an awesome job to get the car sorted for Race Two.

“I just cannot wait for the next race, and huge thanks to my sponsors, Silverstone-hotels.com, Immun’Age, My Protein, hearingprotection.co.uk and IWI watches. Also to the team, who did a great job all weekend.”