Alice Powell, the most promsing female racing driver in the country, has picked up a top award for the second year running.

The 17-year-old from Chipping Norton, who became the Formula Renault BARC champion, was named the British Woman Racing Drivers Club’s elite gold star winner for her success in 2010.

In front of TV crews and an army of photographers, Powell was presented with the award by BBC TV Formula 1 presenter Jake Humphrey.

The award is made on merit to a junior member who has shown the capability of and aspires to become a professional driver.

Powell said: “I am so glad to have won this award, and this is a great way to start the year.

“To have it presented by Jake is brilliant and he wished me the best of luck for the year!”

This year, she hopes to compete in the Formula Renault UK Championship, which receives live coverage on ITV.