than 500 guests gathered to take to Monte Carlo to enjoy a very special evening that rewards the feats of the most famous riders in motorcycling. Broadcast live on television in several countries, a number of motorcycling legends were on hand to present the 2012 FIM World Champions with their respective awards, while they were also honoured for their sporting achievements on two wheels.
Legends like Mary McGee, Jim Redman, Torsten Hallman, Dougie Lampkin, Kari Tiainen, Hubert Auriol and Hans Nielsen joined on stage with the likes of Jorge Lorenzo, Max Biaggi, Marc Marquez, Sandro Cortese, Antonio Cairoli, Ryan Villopoto, Toni Bou, Antoine Meo, Pierre-Alexandre Renet, Chris Starter, Nikolai Krasnikov and many more talented drivers. The women’s side of the sport was well represented by Laia Sanz (double title in Enduro and Trial), Fontanesi Chiara, Liparoti Camelia and Clair Emmanuelle.
In addition to the many FIM World Champions who stepped forward to receive their awards, the FIM also made a difference. Three Special Presentations for the FIM Rookie of the Year, FIM Woman of the Year and FIM Personality of the Year. These three awards were voted on by the media, fans, teams, industry and drivers via the FIM-LIVE.com website over the past few weeks.
Tim Gasjer was voted FIM Rookie of the Year, Laia Sanz FIM Woman of the Year, while Jorge Lorenzo received the FIM Personality of the Year award. The FIM Environmental Award was won by the circuits of Catalonia. This award was created in order to foster greater awareness of environmental issues in the world of motorcycling. The Moto Club Ambulance Motorcycle Club won the 2012 FIM Road Safety Award for its helmet safety campaign.
FIM President Vito Ippolito stated: “The third FIM Gala Ceremony in Monte-Carlo was the perfect time to congratulate and honour our 2012 Champions, not only at the Salle des Etoiles, but also in front of millions of TV viewers around the world. Once again I must thank the drivers and teams for being here tonight. They really understand the importance of the FIM Gala both for the FIM, and for the motorcycle sport as a whole.”
Text and photos: FIM
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