More silverware as Mark scoops two BRDC awards

Mark Webber joined newly crowned world champion Jenson Button, IRL star Dario Franchitti and other British and Commonwealth luminaries from the world of international motorsport as trophy winners at the annual BRDC (British Racing Drivers Club) Annual Awards in London today.

Webber was the recipient of two awards; the Innes Ireland for the driver who best displayed the qualities of courage and sportsmanship epitomized by the late Innes Ireland, and the Bruce McLaren Trophy which is awarded annually to the Commonwealth driver who has established the most meritorious performances in international motorsport. The Red Bull Racing driver faced tough opposition for the latter award from the likes of fellow Australians David Brabham and Ryan Briscoe and New Zealander Scott Dixon.

Among the many VIP guests in attendance was British PM Gordon Brown who revealed a life-long passion for motorsport as he presented Jenson Button with the Richard Seaman Trophy. Sir Jackie Stewart and Sir Stirling Moss also presented awards while there was a special and well-deserved round of applause for BRDC President Damon Hill who, earlier in the day, had announced that Silverstone would continue to host the British Grand Prix for a potential 17 years.

Mark received his trophies from legendary F1 commentator Murray Walker and Bruce McLaren’s widow, Pat. However, he wasn’t the afternoon’s only Australian victor. David Brabham received the Fairfield Trophy for an outstanding performance by a BRDC member and young Daniel Ricciardo, fresh from completing an impressive three day test with Red Bull Racing last week in Jerez, picked up the John Cooper Trophy for winning the British Formula 3 Championship and the Henry Surtees Award for an outstanding performance by a BRDC Rising Star, a trophy awarded in memory of the British youngster who lost his life earlier this year.