Moss honoured by FIA

The 77-year-old Briton, the greatest driver never to win the F1 title, was presented with the International Automobile Federation (FIA) gold medal for motor sport at the end-of-year gala awards in Monaco on Friday.

The medal is awarded to an individual who has made a substantial contribution to the sport either by exceptional success or outstanding effort.

"There are few drivers in the history of motor sport who have been as deserving of this award as Sir Stirling," said FIA president Max Mosley.

"It is not just his remarkable success across all categories of racing that stands him apart but also his continuing contribution to the promotion of motor sport."

Moss was team mate to the late Argentine great Juan Manuel Fangio at Mercedes in 1955 and was runner-up in the Formula One championship from 1955-1958 while also winning the Mille Miglia and Targa Florio sportscar races.

"This is the first FIA award that I have ever won," he said.

Other award recipients included Michael Schumacher, who received the same award as Moss.

The retired star was delighted to receive yet another accolade, "I have received a huge amount of joy and pleasure from motor sport," said Schumacher. "To all of you and all of the people everywhere I really want to express my thanks. I have had such a love for this sport.

"It doesn't need motivation. You do it as good as you can and luckily I have a lot of great people around me who have allowed me to achieve what we have achieved together."

Describing Schumacher, Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone said, "All sports need a superstar and Michael is a superstar,"

"Michael's achievements speak for themselves so I don't really need to say anything more about them.” he added. “But what they don't say is what a lovely guy Michael is and he is supported by a really lovely family. He's a lucky guy and I wish him all the best in the future."

Other recipients included Fernando Alonso and Renault after their Formula One World Championship success this year, WTCC double title winner Andy Priaulx and World Rally Champion Sebastian Loeb.

Priaulx said: "Its lovely to be back. To win two in a row is very special but in fact it is three in a row with the European Touring Car title as well. I'm enjoying this very much. It does not get harder because everybody is after you and I think this year is a vintage year with so many drivers up for the title going into the last race."