More than five hundred guests packed into the prestigious ‘Salle des Etoiles’ room of the Sporting Monte-Carlo to enjoy a very special evening that rewarded the exploits of the World’s best motorcycle riders. Broadcast live on TV in several different countries a host of motorcycling legends were on hand to present the 2012 FIM World Champions with their respective awards, whilst also being honoured themselves for their achievements to two wheel sports. Master of the ceremony, Suzi Perry displayed her tremendous motorcycle expertise with style.
Legends such as Mary McGee, Jim Redman, Torsten Hallman, Dougie Lampkin, Kari Tiainen, Hubert Auriol and Hans Nielsen were joined on stage by the likes of Jorge Lorenzo, Max Biaggi, Marc Marquez, Sandro Cortese, Antonio Cairoli, Ryan Villopoto, Toni Bou, Antoine Meo, Pierre-Alexandre Renet, Chris Holder, Nikolai Krasnikov and many more talented riders. The female side of the sport was well represented by Laia Sanz (Double title in Enduro & Trial), Chiara Fontanesi, Camelia Liparoti and Emmanuelle Clair.
In addition to the many FIM World Champions who stepped forward to receive their awards, the FIM also made three special presentations for FIM Rookie of the Year, FIM Woman of the Year and FIM Personality of the Year. These three awards were voted for by the media, fans, teams, industry and riders via the FIM-LIVE.com website during more recent weeks.
Tim Gasjer was voted FIM Rookie of the Year, Laia Sanz FIM Woman of the Year, whilstJorge Lorenzo received the award for FIM Personality of the Year.
The FIM Environmental Award was won by the Circuits de Catalunya from Spain. This award was created in order to encourage a greater awareness of environmental concerns within the motorcycling world. The Ambulance Motorcycle Club won the 2012 FIM Road Safety Award for its helmet safety campaign.
Speaking at this unique occasion FIM President Vito Ippolito stated: “The third FIM Gala Ceremony in Monte-Carlo was the perfect moment to congratulate and honour our 2012 Champions not only in the ‘Salle des Etoiles’, but also in front of millions of TV viewers around the globe. Again I must thank the riders and teams for being here tonight. They truly understand the importance of the FIM Gala both for the FIM and for motorcycle sport as a whole.”
