A POWYS man has described his joy after being invited onto the podium after last weekend's Formula E race in Berlin.

James Harmon from Presteigne has clocked up thousands of miles following rallies, F1 and other racing events over the years but the 27-year-old reserves particular affection for Formula E – the high-speed electric car series.

And in recognition of his dedication to following the races across Europe, he was invited onto the podium to present Champagne to the winning drivers after last weekend's race in Berlin – the 20th he has attended.

He said: "I love my rallying, Formula 1 and other racing series and at the time I wanted to start following more racing series then one day in late 2013 I discovered Formula E’s Facebook page.

"Formula E was a brand new series which it was the world’s first fully electric racing which was due to start in September 2014.

"I wasn’t put off by it was an electric racing series I thought it was awesome that it was completely different and I was very excited to see how it would go.

"When all the teams and drivers got announced it was really exciting and when I saw the first race I instantly fell in love with it, it just clicked with me and became my new obsession."

Ever since he has followed the series across Europe and as far as Morocco to watch races.

He said: "I’ve made so many friends, I’ve got to know the drivers and some of them know my name.

"I’ve met people who work in FE and they recognise I’m a big fan of the series and very passionate about it so when I was doing my 20th Formula E in Berlin I was given the opportunity by Formula E’s co-founder to present the Champagne on the podium.

"It felt so amazing and unreal to be up there but I felt so happy and surprisingly calm. It really was the best day of my life and I can’t thank them enough."

James also attributes the sport in helping him overcome the challenges of his autism, for which he was diagnosed in 2014.

He said: "I have a PA/carer who takes me to all these. Formula E is one of the few places I feel I can be 100 per cent myself. I want to show the positive side of autism.

"As well as the racing Formula E is the world’s first Net-zero sport and is dedicated to raising awareness of climate change as well as equality in all areas. I’ve learned so much from Formula E."