Zoom Awards for Moss, Hamilton, and others

Lewis Hamilton, the 2008 Formula One World Champion, received another title Sunday evening as he was named International Racing Driver of the Year at the traditional year-end Autosport Awards. The McLaren Mercedes driver was reunited on stage with the team's previous titleholder, 1998 and 1999 World Champion Mika Hakkinen.

The Briton said it was "overwhelming" to receive the honour. "Just to see the whole journey from the beginning and see the number of people that have made it possible, is very emotional for me," Hamilton said. "It makes me very proud."

Hamilton is the youngest-ever Formula One champion, but another well-known compatriot from another era was named during the ceremony: Sir Stirling Moss, largely considered to be the best F1 driver to never win a championship, saw his contribution to motorsport recognised with a lifetime achievement award.

Also on the recognition list was Scotsman David Coulthard, who retired from Grand Prix racing this season after 15 years in the sport. Maiden Grand Prix winner Sebastien Vettel was named Rookie of the Year, while the McLaren Mercedes MP4-23 was granted the Racing Car of the Year title.

The inaugural Singapore Grand Prix was presented with the Pioneering and Innovation trophy for holding F1's first-ever race under floodlights. The Moment of the Year award went very understandably to the Brazilian Grand Prix and its greatly dramatic championship-deciding finale.

The annual ceremony gathers some of the best-known names in motorsports and issues awards in several racing series. Amongst other nominees, Frenchman and WRC champion Sebastien Loeb was named International Rally Driver of the Year, and American team principal Carl Haas was honoured with a reward for the great contribution he and the late Paul Newman brought to motorsport.

Daniel BASTIEN
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