Autosport International Awards Provides Impressive Finale To Formula One Season It was clear to all that the Autosport team must have been very hard at work this year when the 2007 Autosport Awards show kicked off on Sunday evening. The impressive event, in one day, elevated itself to be up alongside the very best of awards ceremonies, propelling the awards themselves to a sought-after honour. This year’s show, which was broadcast to the nation on ITV1 for the first time in the event’s 26-year history, had a star-studded audience with everyone who is anyone in the world of motorsport being present. The evening was one of class with the guests being served three-course-meals and the aftershow party entertainment including the likes of Status Quo lead singer’s son, Rick Parfitt Junior with his band. Guests attending the ceremony at Grosvenor House in London included Lewis Hamilton whose success in Formula One has seen a huge increase in the public’s interest in motor racing. British turbocharging specialists, Turbo Dynamics were also invited to the awards ceremony with the company Directors, husband and wife, Peter and Gail Marsh attending. Turbo Dynamics have earned a reputation as one of the world’s leading independent Turbocharger Remanufacturers and Hybrid Turbocharger Designers in the world. Further guests included Long Way Down’s Charley Boorman. The TV series, Long Way Down has followed Boorman and Ewan McGregor’s most recent motorbike adventure, which took them from Britain’s most northerly point at John O’Groats to Africa’s most southerly point, Cape Town! Faithless’s lead singer and car enthusiast, Maxi Jazz was yet another star among the faces. However, the man of the moment was Hamilton who was nominated for three awards at the show this year - International Racing Driver of the Year, British Competition Driver of the Year and Autosport.com’s Rookie of the Year Award – and amazingly, he won all three; a first in the event’s history. Upon receiving a trophy from former world champion, Damon Hill, an emotional Hamilton said to his audience, “I am so proud to be here this evening, to represent the team I work for… It has been a pleasure working for them… a dream come true.” Turbo Dynamics Ltd Units 20-21 Somerford Business Park, Wilverley Road, Christchurch, Dorset BH23 3RU Tel +44 1202 487497 Fax +44 1202 487467 [email protected] www.turbodynamics.co.uk 18-year-old Stefan Wilson was also a winner during the evening, being awarded the prestigious McLaren Autosport BRDC Award. Wilson had competed against five other nominees for the award at Snetterton during November whilst being assessed. The Formula Palmer Audi Race winner said of the award, “This is the first time in my life that I have been speechless. I got to drive some amazing cars in the test, but to win the award is amazing.” He continued, “It’s great for me, it’s going to separate me from my brother” referring to Champ Car racer, Justin Wilson who was a former nominee for the award. Of Hamilton, Wilson gushed, “Lewis is a great inspiration. What he has done is great for all young British drivers, he has proved what you can achieve and I want to get to that stage.” Previous winners of the McLaren Autosport BRDC Award include David Coulthard, Jenson Button and Anthony Davidson. Another young man to win at the event was 23-year-old Duncan Tappy who was titled British Club Driver of the Year. Tappy a former Formula Ford Champion was also a nominee for the McLaren Autosport BRDC Award. An ambitious Tappy said, “The next step is World Series by Renault for me, definitely that’s the plan.” The 2007 Gregor Grant awards went to Fabrizio Giovanardi and Dario Franchitti on the night. Franchitti is the reigning IndyCar Series and Indianapolis 500 champion. Jackie Stewart had helped Franchitti during the early years of his career commented, “Dario has had tremendous success. He has been a great ambassador for Scottish motorsport.” Engineer, Patrick Head and rally drivers, Marcus Gronholm and Mark Higgins were also presented with awards during the show in recognition of their achievements during 2007. Autosport were careful to recognise all of the different aspects involved in today’s racing world, also awarding prizes for technology. The Autosport Pioneering and Innovation Award went to the HANS (Head And Neck Safety) device, which has been credited with saving lives since its introduction a few years ago. Those indebted to the life-saver include Robert Kubica following his accident this year at Montreal. Turbo Dynamics Ltd Units 20-21 Somerford Business Park, Wilverley Road, Christchurch, Dorset BH23 3RU Tel +44 1202 487497 Fax +44 1202 487467 [email protected] www.turbodynamics.co.uk A further award for The Racing Car of the Year went to McLaren’s MP4-22. Engineering Director, Paddy Lowe gratefully accepted the award, which was presented by Martin Brundle. He said, “It has been a very, very fantastic year, one despite the politics I really enjoyed, and the team did a fantastic job.” Ford’s Focus WRC car was titled, International Rally Car of the Year. Team Director, Malcolm Wilson collected the award. Of the impressive 2007 Autosport International Awards show, Haymarket Consumer Media Managing Director, Kevin Costello said, “With the 2007 Formula One season having excited millions of households it is fitting that, with ITV’s support, our country’s most skilled drivers will be seen together in living rooms across the nation.” ITV News and Sport Director, Mark Sharman added, “It has been a fantastic year for motorsport on ITV, with viewing figures for Formula One up by over 40 percent!” Turbo Dynamics Ltd Units 20-21 Somerford Business Park, Wilverley Road, Christchurch, Dorset BH23 3RU Tel +44 1202 487497 Fax +44 1202 487467 [email protected] www.turbodynamics.co.uk .