British driver Oliver Rowland was officially unveiled as a standout talent for the future by winning the 2011 McLaren Autosport BRDC Award in London.
The 19-year-old will get to sample a McLaren Formula 1 car as part of his prize, and will also receive a cheque for £100,000 ($200,000), full membership of the British Racing Drivers' Club, a TW Steel watch and a year's supply of Puma racewear.
"I don't know what to say," Rowland said. "It's been a difficult year for me. I lost someone very close to me in [karting guru] Martin Hines, who passed away this year. He's helped me for six or seven years. I've had lots to learn this year in my first year of Formula Renault. I have learned a lot and now I'm here. I just can't believe it."
He earned his place as an award finalist by finishing as runner-up in Formula Renault UK - one of the most competitive junior single-seater championships in the world.
Rowland beat his rival candidates - Emil Bernstorff, Tom Blomqvist, Alex Lynn, Scott Malvern and Dino Zamparelli - after two days of evaluation at Silverstone in Formula 2, HWA Mercedes-Benz DTM and McLaren MP4-12C GT3 cars.
The finalists were also subjected to interviews by the expert judging panel that included former F1 driver Derek Warwick, BTCC champion Jason Plato and DTM front-runner Jamie Green.
List of the 2011 Autosport Award winners:
McLaren Autosport BRDC Award - Oliver Rowland
International Racing Driver of the Year - Sebastian Vettel
Racing Car of the Year - Red Bull RB7
Rookie of the Year - Paul di Resta
International Rally Driver of the Year - Sebastien Loeb
Rally Car of the Year - Mini John Cooper Works WRC
Gregor Grant Award - Dan Wheldon
Gregor Grant Award - Damon Hill
John Bolster Award - Gian Paolo Dallara
Autosport Pioneering and Innovation Award - "Senna"
British Competition Driver of the Year - Jenson Button
National Driver of the Year - Matt Neal
British Club Driver of the Year - Alex Lynn
Sebastian Vettel won the prize for the International Racing Driver of the Year.
The 19-year-old will get to sample a McLaren Formula 1 car as part of his prize, and will also receive a cheque for £100,000 ($200,000), full membership of the British Racing Drivers' Club, a TW Steel watch and a year's supply of Puma racewear.
"I don't know what to say," Rowland said. "It's been a difficult year for me. I lost someone very close to me in [karting guru] Martin Hines, who passed away this year. He's helped me for six or seven years. I've had lots to learn this year in my first year of Formula Renault. I have learned a lot and now I'm here. I just can't believe it."
He earned his place as an award finalist by finishing as runner-up in Formula Renault UK - one of the most competitive junior single-seater championships in the world.
Rowland beat his rival candidates - Emil Bernstorff, Tom Blomqvist, Alex Lynn, Scott Malvern and Dino Zamparelli - after two days of evaluation at Silverstone in Formula 2, HWA Mercedes-Benz DTM and McLaren MP4-12C GT3 cars.
The finalists were also subjected to interviews by the expert judging panel that included former F1 driver Derek Warwick, BTCC champion Jason Plato and DTM front-runner Jamie Green.
List of the 2011 Autosport Award winners:
McLaren Autosport BRDC Award - Oliver Rowland
International Racing Driver of the Year - Sebastian Vettel
Racing Car of the Year - Red Bull RB7
Rookie of the Year - Paul di Resta
International Rally Driver of the Year - Sebastien Loeb
Rally Car of the Year - Mini John Cooper Works WRC
Gregor Grant Award - Dan Wheldon
Gregor Grant Award - Damon Hill
John Bolster Award - Gian Paolo Dallara
Autosport Pioneering and Innovation Award - "Senna"
British Competition Driver of the Year - Jenson Button
National Driver of the Year - Matt Neal
British Club Driver of the Year - Alex Lynn
Sebastian Vettel won the prize for the International Racing Driver of the Year.