Ross Brawn Gets MIA Award for Motorsport Contribution

Ross Brawn might not be that respected by his fellow FOTA members following his “secret” double decker diffuser introduced on his 2009 challenger this year, but his merits were well appreciated by the Motorsport Industry Association earlier this week, as reported by Formula One's official site.

The former Ferrari technical and current team owner of the Brackley based outfit has been presented with the Award for the Most Outstanding Contribution to the Motorsport Industry, a distinction formerly handed to other motorsport legendary figures such as Professor Sid Watkins, Frank Williams, Stirling Moss, Jackie Stewart and Bernie Ecclestone.

The event took place Monday night, at Britain's House of Lords, and was aimed at recognizing Brawn's contribution to the sport of Formula One during his 33 years of experience. Since he first debuted as a machine operator with March Engineering in 1976, Brawn has worked for 7 Formula One teams – Williams, Haas Lola, Arrows F1, Benetton, Ferrari and Honda (Brawn GP) – and one sportscar outfit (Jaguar).

He won no less than 8 championship titles in his long-time F1 career (with Benetton and Ferrari), and is about to make it 9 with his own-managed Brawn GP.

“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 MIA CEO, Chris Aylett.

Brawn was awarded with the aforementioned distinction by The Right Honourable Lord Drayson, Britain's Minister of State for Innovation.