ALICE Powell produced a superb drive to finish second in the opening round of the new W Series.

The 26-year-old, who hails from Sarsden, near Chipping Norton, chased race winner and fellow Brit Jamie Chadwick all the way in Hockenheim, Germany.

Powell finished just 1.3 seconds behind her rival.

The W Series is the first women-only racing series, set up to raise the profile of females in motorsport.

  • OXFORDSHIRE’S Bradley Smith finished 17th in the Spanish MotoGP in Jerez yesterday.

It was the Forest Hill racer’s second wildcard ride for Aprilia Racing Team Gresini.