A RALLY driver from West Cumbria hopes to demonstrate the power of electric cars against petrol-driven vehicles in a championship race.

Natalie Barratt of Cockermouth is preparing to take part in the Five Nations British Rallycross Championship – and this year the 2021 races will feature electric and petrol cars for the first time ever.

“It’s my plan to put in a two-car team," said Natalie. "It’s still in the planning stage.”

If Natalie is able to enter the rally cross championship, she will drive a carbon-free electric racer against petrol-driven opponents. She takes on the challenge fresh off a victory in an all-electric rally cross race in November.

“It’s a big turning point in British motorsport in general,” she said.

“It’ll be very weird sitting on the grid in a car that has no emissions or sounds and everyone else’s are banging and popping.

"I think it’s important for people to know that motorsport is changing.

"It’ll raise a few eyebrows. People have made a few comments saying ‘give them their own class'.

“I know why they want them to have their own class – it’s because these cars are so fast.”

She added that some of the cars on the grid went from 0-60 in 2.5 seconds but the STARD Ford Fiesta Natalie drives can make it in 1.7 seconds.

“I’m more excited about going up against the petrol cars in the all-electric to drive it home and give the clearest possible message.”

Natalie hopes that it will be a big moment for the net zero agenda.

“I know everyone wants to do their bit for global warming.

“We don’t have to travel. It’s here in England so I haven’t got a massive carbon footprint. It’s open air so people can come and watch. When children are going to watch you, you want to show them this technology.”

She added: “It’ll be a real eye opener. I won’t lie – these cars aren’t cheap to run but that’s the whole motoring industry full stop.”