Brawn GP team boss Ross Brawn was last night presented with the Motorsport Industry Association's (MIA) Award for the Most Outstanding Contribution to the Motorsport Industry.

The Award was presented by The Right Honourable Lord Drayson, Minister of State for Innovation and Aston Martin Le Mans driver, at the MIA's annual Summer Reception at the House of Lords.

Brawn joins a highly impressive list of previous winners, including Professor Sid Watkins, Lord March, Sir Frank Williams CBE, Sir Stirling Moss OBE and Sir Jackie Stewart OBE, as well as Tom Wheatcroft, David Richards CBE and Bernie Ecclestone amongst others.

During his thirty-three year career in motorsport, after starting as a milling machine operator at March, the Englishman has gone forward to win a World Sportscar Championship with the TWR Jaguar XJR-14 and an amazing eight F1 Championships with Benetton and Ferrari.

"His exceptional race engineering talent is coupled with integrity, sincerity and humility – a rare combination in this aggressive competitive sport. His personal contribution has benefited many in this global industry – employees, suppliers and drivers. His influence makes motorsport and F1 a better place to be," said the MIA's CEO, Chris Aylett.

"Ross is a great inspiration to young engineers who we need to help us improve our future. As patron of Formula Student for example he is putting something back into tomorrow's generation. F1 leaders can be great ambassadors for global motorsport - Ross is one of the new breed who will ensure its popularity will last well into the future."

MIA's Summer Reception, hosted by MIA President Lord Astor of Hever, is regarded as the most prestigious social gathering on the international motorsport business calendar. The 2009 reception was attended by over 300 guests, including Peers, Ministers of State, Ambassadors, MPs, VIPs, MIA members and leaders from the motorsport industry across the globe.