The winners of this year’s FIA Championships were honoured in a glittering 2016 FIA Prize Giving ceremony at the stunning Hofburg Palace in Vienna, Austria last night. The highlight of the evening for the sportscar community being Porsche Team and its drivers receiving their World Championship trophies.
Following the triumph of Mark Webber, Brendon Hartley, and Timo Bernhard last year, this year’s crown went to the crew of Neel Jani, Romain Dumas and Marc Lieb in the #2 919, who accumulated a total of 160 points, finishing the year 12.5 clear of nearest rivals Audi Sport Team Joest.
Toyota, Audi and Aston Martin’s drivers were also awarded trophies on the night for their performances in the WEC.
A number of special FIA awards were handed out on the night too. In a first for the FIA Prize Giving, a new President’s Award was handed out by FIA President Jean Todt. The inaugural recipient was French quadruple amputee racer Frédéric Sausset who competed at this year’s Le Mans 24 Hours as the Garage 56 entry in a specially adapted Morgan LMP2.
“Frédéric Sausset has proved that with absolute determination and passion one can attain unbelievable results,” Todt said. “His participation in the Le Mans 24 Hours proves that any barrier, any obstacle can be overcome if the will to do so is strong enough.”
Laurens Vanthoor also received his trophy for winning the 2016 FIA GT World Cup in Macau.
Photos courtesy of the FIA
