The FIA WEC End of Season Awards Ceremony took place last night on the beach at the Sofitel Hotel in Bahrain, and it was a night full of emotion, tears, laughter and a look back at an incredible season of racing. Hosted by WEC CEO Gerard Neveu, John Hindhaugh and Louise Beckett, the whole WEC paddock was represented.
We will look back at each of our Champions' seasons over the coming days, but there were several special awards presented which deserve special mention.
Toyota Gazoo Racing's heartbreaking finish at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and the way in which the team rebounded, saw them presented by Pierre Fillon, President of the Automobile Club de l'Ouest, with a signed chequered flag. The flag was received by Toshio Sato, Team President and the drivers of the No.5 TS050 Hybrid.
Ricardo Gonzalez received from Sir Lindsay Owen Jones, President of the FIA Endurance Commission, the Gentleman Driver of the year award. The Mexican not only was part of the extremely strong RGR Sport line up that finished second in the LMP2 championship, but most importantly was the energetic and motivating promoter of the 6 Hours of Mexico, round 5 of the 2016 season.
Young American driver Gustavo Menezes received the Revelation of the Year award, capping an outstanding 2016. LMP2 Champion, a test in the Porsche 919 Hybrid LMP1 at the official Rookie Test...the Californian will be smiling for months to come!
Many glowing tributes have been paid to Mark Webber who now retires from the driving seat in professional motorsport. A film full of messages from friends in the WEC and F1 paddocks brought 'Aussi Grit' to tears as he watched from the stage after receiving a special Award for Excellence. Mark will be much missed as a competitor, but we look forward to welcoming him back soon to the WEC paddocks.
The final special award of the evening was the most emotional for many present. The tributes flowed to Audi Sport, Team Joest, drivers past and present, and most especially Dr Wolfgang Ullrich, Head of Audi Motorsport, who was the architect of the marque's so many successes over the past 18 years.
Audi - we will miss you.
