A MODEL racing driver drove to success in a field of male drivers.

Ellesmere Port-based racing driver and model Annalese Ferrari took a class win in Round 1 of the newly formed Fueltopia Barrel Sprint Series at Santa Pod Raceway, Northamptonshire on Sunday, August 21.

Despite some initial problems with the car in qualifying, the 22-year-old drove her Peugeot 206 GTI to victory in the FWD Class, and finished sixth overall in the championship standings.

Being the only female racer out of 30 cars, she is extremely pleased with the result.

Annalese said: “I am very happy to win the FWD class, especially as I had some problems with the car on the day and compared to some of the other cars, it wasn’t as well prepared so to finish with a class win and an overall position of sixth is fantastic.”

This is not the first win of 2011 for Annalese – a few weeks ago she became the 2011 Japshow Track Champion in the same car, again the only female racer out of 23 cars.

Annalese, who has been trained by international stunt man Terry Grant, has also learned some tricks – including handbrake parking into a tight space – and regularly participates in stunt shows.

She also has an extensive karting and track racing history and is regularly offered drives with some of the top teams.

As well as looking forward to round two of the Fueltopia series, held again at Santa Pod Raceway, Annalese is aiming to compete in the final rounds of the Lotus Cup UK and also the Lotus 1,000km enduro race before finalising plans for the 2012 season.

She has also been offered the chance to take part in a scholarship programme for future motorsport talent.