Alice Powell expressed her delight after being crowned top sportswoman of 2013.

The Chipping Norton driver was runner-up in this season’s F3 Cup received her accolade at this year’s event.

“It’s so nice to get this award, I am really pleased,” she said.

“I had a really good season, but it was so frustrating to not get the title in the final race when I had led for the whole season.”

She added: “It’s tough being a woman in a man’s world and it is such a money-motivated sport.

“I’d like to drive in the GP3 class next season, but that will cost between £600,000-£700,000 – so I will be coming round with a bucket later!”

The awards, run by the Oxfordshire Sports Partnership, were held at the Kassam Stadium to recognise the cream of Oxfordshire’s sporting talent.

Bob Moss, from Combe cricket club, was runner-up in the unsung hero category, while Emile Faurie (equestrian) was second in the nominations for coach of the year.