The first FIA Gold Medal for Motor Sport has been awarded to His Serene Highness Prince Rainier of Monte Carlo.

This award is made by the FIA Academy from nominations made by the FIA member clubs and recognises individuals or organisations that have made an outstanding contribution to motor sport.

Throughout its first 100 years, a fundamental purpose of the FIA has been to recognise achievement in motoring and motor sport. Each year the FIA world championships provide a new opportunity to set a benchmark for the best. This year, to mark the centenary, the FIA has decided to inaugurate a new award, the FIA Gold Medal for Motor Sport.

In a hundred years of motor sport there are many names and places that spring to mind, that inspire, and capture the imagination. Drivers like Nuvolari, Fangio, Clark and Senna. Constructers like Alfa Romeo, Ferrari, Lotus, and Mercedes. Tracks like Indianapolis, Brooklands, Le Mans and the Nurburgring. All have the hallmark of high achievement. But one place, in particular, has played a role in motor sport that is really unique. A place which has contributed not just a formidable challenge to drivers and machines, not just an exceptional location of glamour and prestige, but a place which has hosted more FIA World Championship events than any other place in the world.

That place is Monaco. Since 1911 Monaco has played a crucial role in the development of rallying. And the Monte Carlo Rally remains the most famous single event in the World Rally Championship. Since 1922 the Principality has hosted arguably the world’s most famous motor race, the Monaco Grand Prix. This event, acknowledged by the world’s greatest drivers to be the event they all want to win, has witnessed the best that motor sport can be.

A triumph of speed and control, of precision and daring; around streets that forgive no error; that require relentless effort and concentration. No better place to demonstrate the talents of drivers like Moss, Fangio, Senna and Schumacher.

Hosting the Grand Prix or the World Rally Championship requires a unique level of commitment by the Principality. The logistical and organisational effort involved in hosting World Championship events in the Principality is perhaps equivalent to the efforts involved in larger countries hosting the Olympic Games. None of this would be possible without the long standing support, enthusiasm and leadership and of His Excellency Prince Rainier and his family. Their contribution has been truly exceptional and has made a contribution to motor sport that is quite unique.