Somewhat unsurprisingly, 2011 Formula One world champion Sebastian Vettel has taken the top prize at the annual Autosport awards ceremony, with the German being crowned International Racing Driver of the Year.
Vettel secured the award for the second year in a row following his immensely successful 2011 campaign, which saw him take eleven race wins and fifteen poles on his way to becoming the youngest double world champion in F1 history.The German picked up his award at the ceremony in London at the motorsport magazine's annual ceremony, after having rushed back from taking part in the Race of Champions in Germany.
"I felt very honoured when I walked down the stairs and everyone [was] clapping, giving me appreciation and respect for what I have achieved. It made me feel very special," Vettel gushed upon receiving his award.
"It's difficult to realise what we have achieved [this year], with so many races, wins, poles. F1 means a lot: I love the racing, the cars, the history, and when people come and remind you of this it's fantastic."
There was further success for the Red Bull squad at the awards, as the team's RB7 car won the Racing Car of the Year trophy as well, succeeding 2010's RB6 design in the process.
The 2011 Red Bull took twelve wins in total throughout the 2011 season, as well as all but one of the pole positions.
"Last year we produced a good car but made it very difficult for ourselves," the team's technical director Adrian Newey mused as he collected the award for the team.
"This year out of the blocks from the start, the car was competitive right away and we just managed to keep it there, and that's a credit to everyone."
There were other awards for Formula One drivers at the ceremony, with 2011 championship runner-up Jenson Button taking the award for British Competition Driver of the Year.
Fellow F1 driver Paul di Resta took the gong for Rookie of the Year, after his vaguely impressive first season on the grid for the Force India team.
Meanwhile Senna, the recent documentary of three-time F1 champion Ayrton Senna, won the Pioneering and Innovation Award at the prize-giving, for it's hugely successful run in cinemas.
The ceremony featured a number of other trophy presentations, including a posthumous 'Gregor Grant Award' for the late Dan Wheldon, in recognition of his second Indy 500 victory.
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