Brit teen hopes to shine at MRF

Oct 25, 2011 - Saumya Bhatia |

The Asian Age

Trying to make her mark in the male dominated arena is Alice Powell, 18-year-old racing driver from Great Britain, who is excited to be in the capital for MRF Formula 1600 race, which will run concurrently with the India leg of the Formula 1 Grand Prix to be to be held at the Buddh International Circuit on October 30.

Present at the MRF team meet in the capital on Monday afternoon, Alice revealed it hasn’t been an easy journey. “Getting sponsors is a difficult task and being a woman is not easy. There are challenges, but I’ve been training hard back home and hopefully, I will put on a good show here. I hope to get into F1 in four to five years from now.”
The only female driver in the line-up with 20 other drivers, Alice revealed she’s used to getting attention, but her focus is clinching the trophy. “I’ve been the only girl amongst boys in England, so this is nothing new for me. I would love to take home the trophy from here. It’s going to be a tough fight, hopefully a clean one.”
Alice hasn’t seen the track yet, but is optimistic that it’s going to be at par with the international ones. “I’ve been racing for seven-eight years now, I will do the best I can for the team. I can’t wait and get out there and race,” she said.
Growing up watching her idol Michael Schumacher, Alice said she’s his biggest fan. “Ever since I remember, I have been interested in this sport. We watched moto sport on TV, but my parents were in for a shock when I told them I wanted to be a racing driver. Since it costs a lot of money, they suggested I take up hockey instead. But my heart was set on racing,” she said.
It’s Alice’s first time in the capital, and she’s certainly looking forward to know more about the “festival of lights”.
She added, “I will be going around Delhi and will explore the city as much as I can. I like Indian food a lot, and I’m sure it tastes a lot different than what is served back home. Hopefully not too spicy.”
Alice said since she’s leaving for home on Sunday night itself, she wants to make the most of the time she has on her hands.

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