Friday, December 9 2011
An evening of recognition and reward for the world’s best motorcycle riders took place at Portugal’s Estoril Casino, with over 500 guests including motorcycle legends who both presented and were honoured with awards for outstanding service to the motorcycle world.
Suzi Perry hosted the ceremony; her breadth of motorcycle knowledge and fantastic sense of style ensuring the whole night went swimmingly. Stars of the motorcycle community were in abundance, from legends such as Angel Nieto, Carl Fogarty, Eric Geboers, Yjro Vesterinen, Giovanni Sala, Tony Rickardsson and Iris Kramer- to FIM World Championship winners Carlos Checa, Stefan Bradl, Antonio Cairoli, Toni Bou, Juha Salminen, Greg Hancock, Stephanie Laier, Ludivine Puy, and Laia Sanz.
Additionally, FIM made three more presentations; FIM Rookie of the Year, FIM Woman of the Year and FIM Personality of the Year. These special awards were voted for by fans, teams and riders. The winner of the FIM Rookie of the Year was Maciej Janowski (FIM Speedway Under 21 World Champion). FIM Woman of the Year went to Spain’s Laia Sanz (FIM Women’s Trial World Champion), whilst Carlos Checa also of Spain (FIM Superbike World Champion) received the FIM Personality of the Year award.
The FIM Environmental Award was created in the hope that it would encourage a greater awareness of environmental concerns within the motorcycling World and reward any significant contributions made to protect the environment. This award was won by the Australian Federation.
Vito Ippolito, FIM President: “Last year was the first year for the FIM Gala, and whilst it was a great success, the second edition has been even better. It is such a pleasure and honour to have so many FIM World Champions and our extended FIM family all together to share this wonderful evening.
“Even though conditions remain tough in the wider World, motorcycle sport continues to show its strength and provides millions of people across the globe with wonderful entertainment each weekend throughout the season. Tonight we have seen the stars and heroes of the various disciplines collect their prizes in recognition of the skill, bravery and endeavour they show each time they ride. Each winner richly deserves the applause they received.
“Again I must thank the riders and teams for being here tonight, as after their busy schedules I know they will be ready for the winter break. However I think even only its second year, we can all understand the importance of the FIM Gala both for the FIM and for motorcycle sport as a whole.”
