07.12.08 NATIONAL DRIVER OF THE YEAR : OLIVER TURVEY Oliver Turvey was on the receiving end of further plaudits for his 2008 on-track achievements. Turvey - the 2008 British F3 International Vice-Champion - won the National Driver of the Year award at the star-studded Autosport Awards ceremony in London. Turvey was up against stiff competition for the prestigious national award. Nominees included Jaime Alguersuari - the driver who narrowly beat him to the British F3 title - BTCC Champion Fabrizio Giovanardi, previous winner Jason Plato and two times British Rally Champion Guy Wilks among others. The 21 years-old RSF driver and former McLaren Autosport BRDC Young Driver of the Year was presented with his trophy by retiring F1 driver David Coulthard. Turvey, who led the 2008 F3 title chase until the last round, told the gathered audience: "I've had a fantastic season, to be leading British F3 in my first year, with 4 wins and 13 podiums which was more than any other driver." He also paid tribute to the RSF for its continued backing, "I'm very fortunate to have the Racing Steps Foundation support without which I wouldn't have been able to race in F3 this season. Therefore I really want to thank the RSF for their fantastic support throughout the season which has made this result possible." The Foundation has promised ongoing support as he aims to step up another level. So far he's put in impressive performances in GP2 and World Series by Renault tests and together with the RSF who are currently weighing up his options for 2009. The title winners later teamed up with newly-crowned F1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton for a backstage photo session. Less than 24 hours after the Autosport Awards ceremony Turvey was back in the limelight again at the BRDC Annual Awards luncheon at London's Café Royal where he collected another two awards. He was selected as the latest recipient of the John Cooper and Spencer-Charrington Trophies from the exclusive British Racing Drivers Club. The John Cooper trophy, presented to Turvey by McLaren Mercedes F1 Team Principal Ron Dennis, is awarded each year to the competitor in British F3 who has shown the potential to become a future World Champion. The Spencer-Charrington award goes to the highest-placed driver in the British F3 International Championship so was presented to Turvey in his first season as Vice-Champion and top British driver. "It's been a remarkable two days," Turvey said after collecting the awards. "The fact that two such prestigious national institutions as Autosport and the BRDC have recognized my achievements this season is fantastic. I'm honoured to collect these awards and truly grateful. I've worked really hard all season so it is a great way to end the year." A week earlier Turvey was named Sports Personality of the Year at the annual Cumbria Sports Awards dinner in Windermere. The highest award, made annually by the Cumbria Sports Partnership, was presented to the RSF driver in recognition of his outstanding talent and commitment. << back to news