SHE may not have a driving licence, but 16-year-old Alice Powell is getting ready to race into the record books.

Alice, from Chipping Norton, will become the youngest driver to compete in the Michelin Formula Renault UK Championship next month.

Racing for the Manor Competition team — who helped launch the careers of Formula 1 champions Lewis Hamilton and Kimi Raikkonen — her first race will be at the famous Brands Hatch circuit in Kent on Sunday, April 5.

As she prepared to roar around the track at speeds of up to 150mph, she admitted it was a big step up from the karting and touring cars she was used to.

She said: “This first season is going to be a learning experience for me. I’m a little nervous, but I’m confident that I can do well.

“My main aim is to be the top rookie of the season and at least finish in the top 10 of the driver’s championship.

“I really want to get on the podium and get some top three finishes.”

But with 26 other teams competing over the ten-race season, there will be plenty of competition from the other drivers.

However, Alice is no newcomer to the world of motorsports — despite the fact she only got her licence to race in this championship in January when she turned 16.

She said: “My granddad started taking me to Formula 1 races and then he took me to the karting track when I was eight.

“From that I went on to race saloon cars and I got four podium finishes last season, so I guess he’s the reason I am here now.

“He told me that if I ever make lots of money racing in Formula 1, I have to buy him a Ferrari.”

The Michelin Formula Renault UK Championship is considered to be a stepping stone to Formula 1, with the 2,000cc cars capable of going from 0 to 60 in a little over three seconds.

Alice said her dream is to one day drive in Formula 1, following in the footsteps of her favourite driver Lewis Hamilton and hopefully inspiring other girls to get involved.

She said: “Being on the same team that Lewis Hamilton raced with is a massive inspiration and knowing that he won the championship here really spurs me on.

“There are a few people out there that think women cannot hack it in motorsport.

“A few women have made it into Formula 1, but no one has made a real impact — that’s my ambition.

“I think the time is right – if a girl is out there doing well then more women would watch Formula 1 and it would definitely make it more exciting.”