Alice Powell says it is “highly unlikely” that her dream of being involved in a Formula 1 Grand Prix could become reality, at least for the time being.

The motor racing driver, from Sarsden, near Chipping Norton, was hoping to get the chance to compete for Cater-ham in free practice in Abu Dhabi this weekend, thanks to a donation from her grandfather.

However, it looks like those plans will have to be shelved due to the high cost of getting a Super Licence.

She told her followers on Twitter: “It’s looking very unlikely due to getting a super license!”

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 was launched to enable them to race in the season finale, and Jim Fraser was willing to offer financial help, if his granddaughter gets the chance to drive.

“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 an F1 weekend would overshadow her achievements.

Caterham successfully raised £2m, with the £500,000 shortfall covered by sponsors in order to take part, with Powell’s grandfather, a retired RAF sergeant from Chipping Norton, understood to have offered to put in around £35,000.

The 21-year-old, who has never driven an F1 car before, would have to obtain a Super Licence in order to compete, which would cost around £10,000, but it’s likely to be granted due to her displays.

“My grandfather is putting some money in and there are some other people 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.”

Powell added: “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 our newspaper group.