Räikkönen receives his World Champion trophy

The FIA Gala held in Monaco on Friday evening marked the end of the 2007 season. A spectacular 2007 season in light of a driver championship that remained undecided until the last race in Brazil on October 21st.

We had to go back to 1986 to find a title race as thrilling as this one with three drivers potentially becoming champion. But in the end, it’s Kimi Räikkönen for Ferrari who clinches the ultimate title by just one point.

During this Gala evening, the Finnish driver received his world champion trophy.

Räikkönen said: « I am very happy to be here to receive the trophy for the world champion of drivers. It has always been my goal and I am especially happy to have achieved it during my first year with Ferrari. It is a fantastic team made up of people who are extraordinary, both professionally and from a human perspective. »

« This victory is the result of the efforts of a group that never threw in the towel, even when everything seemed lost. I also want to thank my family, my wife, Jenni, and all those who have been close to me since the beginning of my career. »

The three drivers who put on a show during this year 2007 were present at the gala in Monaco. All three can be proud of the battle they fought among themselves for the delight of the spectators. Lewis Hamilton for McLaren-Mercedes, who took second place in the championship during his first F1 season, said:

« I had quite an amazing season. I had the opportunity to excel thanks to my Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team. Being on the podium for my first Grand Prix is a dream, but continuing to achieve my first race victory was even more incredible. And being one of the three F1 drivers recognized at this Gala is truly a special moment. »

« I am proud to be here at the Gala with my family and the team I have worked with. It was a pleasure to race and to have been victorious several times this season, and I couldn’t have done it without their support, » concluded Hamilton.

His former teammate Fernando Alonso finished in third place, but the men could not have finished this season closer than they did. Indeed, they ended with the same number of points and the same number of victories and were only separated by the fact that Hamilton finished second more often than the Spaniard. Alonso stated:

« It was a good season because my car was competitive from start to finish. From this perspective, the team did a fantastic job. »

« Off the track, of course, it was a completely different story, but sometimes that’s what happens in sports and I’ll take these lessons into next season. In this year 2007, I will remember my first victory at Monza and my victory at Monaco, a always special place. »

The constructors’ championship is won by Ferrari, its seventh title in nine years. The trophy was presented to Ferrari CEO Jean Todt. He stated:

« It is a pleasure and an honor to be here today to celebrate our successes in both championships, won after an absolutely exceptional year. »

« After the Japanese Grand Prix, we never would have believed that we would be here tonight as world champions. But the bravery and talent of the team and drivers, with a little help from fate, allowed us to be here tonight with the status for which we are known. »

« This gala celebrates a fantastic season for Ferrari, highlighted by nine victories. The world champion in the person of Kimi Räikkönen is a great driver, » concluded Todt.