Barnsley could have a driver in Formula One next year with Penistone's Oliver Rowland currently top of the rankings in the second tier GP2 series and attracting attention from top teams.

The 23-year-old, who missed out on a dream place in F1 for this season after winning the now-defunct World Series, is a point clear after five of the 11 events in the GP2, which has been won in the past by Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg. While victory in the series would not guarantee a promotion to the top level of racing alongside Hamilton, Oliver expects to make the step up if he finishes first.

"If I were to win the GP2 a year after the World Series, it would be hard for F1 teams to ignore me," said the former Penistone Grammar School pupil, who now lives in Dodworth.

"I don't think anyone has ever done that before. It would be pretty special and a lot of people would take notice.  I was disappointed not to get into F1 after winning the World Series and had to take a sideways step.

"But I am willing to wait and hopefully, if I win another Championship, I will get an F1 seat. It's definitely on the cards if I keep working hard and perform like I have been or better.

"It's not like football where hundreds of people play at the top level. There are only 22 in Formula One. It's tough but I believe I can do it. It's obviously the pinnacle of the sport and it's what I've been striving towards for years."

Rowland's father was a motorbike rider but his mother refused to let him go down that route as a young boy because she thought it was too dangerous. Instead they bought him a go-kart and he won the British Karting Championships three times between the ages of eight and 14 as well the World Championships. He then moved onto cars and finished on the podium in Britain and Europe in 'Formula Renault' before moving into the World Series.

The GP2 series follows a large part of the F1 circuit, mainly in Europe before finishing in Malaysia in October and Dubai in November. Oliver has so far competed in Barcelona, Monte Carlo, Azerbaijan, Austria and most recently Silverstone. With two races in each meeting, he has come in the top six seven times and been on the last three podiums. He is still yet to win a race this season and admits that will have to change if he is complete a potentially career-changing series win.

"It's going really well and to be top is a bit of a surprise to be honest," said Rowland, who competes for MP Motorsport.

"I was way behind everyone in winter testing but we have been improving the car and, race by race, the results have been improving. I'm trying to take it race by race and not think about winning it yet.

"I never thought I would win the World Series but then I did. I never thought I would win GP2 but I am first at the moment.  A lot of my main competitors have had a crash or a race in which they haven't got any points. "I have just been consistent.

"We will have to get even better if I am going to win it and we will have to start winning some races. It's nice to be around the top drivers and teams. To be doing well in front of them is important and will hopefully attract their attention."