FIA Ceremony 2011

13. October 2011For the first time in 5 years the final round was not held in Jarama but in Le Mans. But the city located on the Sarthe River, which enjoys a long-standing tradition in motorsports, was several times before the venue of the final round of the FIA ETRC and thus has of course also hosted some of the obligatory FIA ceremonies at the end of a season.
The spacious ground of the Circuit Bugatti has been subject to extensive construction works over the last few years and the premises, where in former years the festivities had taken place, fell victim to the wrecking ball. That’s why TRO boss Fabien Calvet, the organizer of the ceremony, had chosen the new “Welcome Centre” as the location for the festivities – and it was a very good choice.
After some hors d’oeuvre and several short speeches from the many FIA VIPs it was time for the first part of the prize giving ceremony to begin. There were short film sequences presented of all the honourees. On the track none of the pilots would voluntarily let the only lady among the truck racers go first, but of course at the FIA ceremony the principle “ladies first” was applied, so that Steffi Halm was the first one of the truck racers to enter the small stage. And naturally Calvet insisted on presenting the trophy to the young pilot himself. One after another the pilots walked onto the stage – the 22 truck racers registered for the ETRC and the two race-by-race pilots with the highest point scores. And in between – when several of the huge trophies had been presented – there was always the next course of the sumptuous menu being served, and the food was a big hit with everyone. And as the schedule was full with a rich variety, there was never a dull moment.
Norbert Kiss received a second trophy, the Rookie of the Year award, and before the top three pilots were awarded, the trophies for the team championship were presented.
And then they entered the stage – Adam Lacko, Antonio Albacete and Jochen Hahn – with the audience giving standing ovation.
Next up on the agenda were of course the obligatory team photos, and finally the teams returned to the paddock where the party went on into the early hours.
There is a large picture gallery available under “Photos 2011”: FIA Awards Ceremony.

Impressions: