Chipping Norton driver Ali-ce Powell expressed her satisfaction after competing in the GP3 season finale in Abu Dhabi.

Powell, 20, who was runner-up in the F3 Cup, took the seat of Melville McKee, who was unavailable to race for Bam-boo Engineering.

Although she competed in the series in 2012, she had no experience of the new car.

She finished 19th in race one, with Daniil Kvyat claiming victory and with it the GP3 drivers’ championship.

Powell, who was forced to drop out of GP3, due to financial constraints, was 20th in the second race.

Powell said after the first race on Twitter: “Busy race! Got hit hard 3 times, bit of damage to rear & front which affected handling. Gained some places & top 12 in pace at the end.”

After race two: “Most frustratin race ever! Staller infront of me @ the start, I had to go off track to avoid & had crap on my tyres...lost a load of places.

“Then 2 people cut the chicane when I got past & didn’t give the place back! When I did get past, I was 2nd fastest at the end of the race!”

She later added: “Thanks to everyone involved for this opportunity, u know who you are! It’s been an incredible experience, a lot learned & pace improved.”