Alice Powell admits she is in the dark as to whether her dream of being involved in a Formula 1 Grand Prix could become reality.

The motor racing driver, from Sarsden, near Chipping Norton, could get the chance to compete for Caterham in free practice in Abu Dhabi on November 21-23, thanks to a donation from her grandfather.

The Leafield-based team are in administration and have been unable to take part in the last two grands prix due to their lack of funds.

A “crowd-funding” project to raise £2.35m has been launched to enable them to race in the season finale, and Jim Fraser is willing to offer financial help, if his grand-daughter gets the chance to drive.

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“The first I heard about it was when I woke up to a huge amount of messages,” Powell said. “My family had been keeping it from me.

“It’s got to be worth a try. I have no idea whether or not anything will come of it, but obviously I am hoping it will.

“I’m trying not to get my hopes up, but obviously to get the chance to drive in FP1 would be a dream come true.”

Powell became the first female winner of a Formula Renault title in 2010 and has driven regularly in GP3 and Renault 3.5 competitions.

She is competing in this year’s British Formula Asia event, but the possibility of featuring in a Formula 1 weekend would overshadow previous achievements.

More than half the required money has been found in order for Caterham to take part, with Powell’s grandfather, a retired Royal Air Force sergeant who lives in Chipping Norton, understood to have offered to put in around £35,000.

The 21-year-old, who has never driven a Formula 1 car before, would have to obtain a Super Licence in order to compete, which would cost around £10,000, but is likely to be granted due to her performances.

“My grandfather is putting some money in and there are some other people that are trying to join forces as well,” Powell added.

“As long as I get to test in FP1, there are other investors who are willing to invest too.

“I just don’t know what will happen, but I haven’t set any sort of a deadline.

“They can call me the day before that free practice session and I will get out there.”

Powell was meant to be doing some labouring with her father, Tony, yesterday, but when the news broke, was so in demand that she had to ask for the day off.

“It certainly made for an interesting time,” she said.

“My phone was red-hot with people wanting interviews. I was meant to be helping my dad with some concreting, but had to ask him for time off. I couldn’t really phone in sick!”

Caterham's administrators, Smith & Williamson, did not reply to questions from the Oxford Mail.

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