MOTOR RACING: No luck for Alice Powell in Valencia (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Two crashes for Alice after best practise session

12:34pm Saturday 30th June 2012 in Sport

ALICE POWELL endured a frustrating weekend at the European Grand Prix in Valencia, crashing in both her races.

Having achieved her best ever GP3 Series placing in Friday practise (ninth), Alice line up in 11th on the starting grid after the final qualifying session.

In Race One, BRDC Rising Star Powell, made a great start, passing two drivers on turn two.

However, oil from a competitor in front was leaking on to the track and on turn four, Alice’s car skidded on the oil and into a team-mate, damaging the front of her car.

After assessing the damage in the pits, she was sent on her way and crossed the line in 18th place.

For Race Two, Powell lined up on the grid in 18th place. Again, she got a lightning start, to enter turn four in 13th.

But, approaching turn eight, an incident ahead caused the field to bunch and former Cotswold School student Alice made contact with the rear of Alex Brundle’s car which sent her car flying into the air. Alice was winded and the damage to the car ended her race.

Commenting on the weekend, Alice said: “This weekend has been tough. It started out well, and it shows I am getting closer and getting used to the GP3 car.

“The races were very action-packed and I am gutted that we did not get a decent result.”

Alice’s next race is the British Grand Prix at Silverstone on July 8.