Allan McNish has been awarded the prestigious Segrave Trophy in recognition of his Le Mans 24 Hour victory last year, as well as his 'exceptional endeavour in motorsport'.

The 39-year-old Audi driver succeeds reigning Formula One World Champion Lewis Hamilton and was presented with the trophy by Sir David Prosser, Chairman of the Royal Automobile Club, at an awards luncheon at The RAC club in London.

The award, named in honour of the world land and water speed record holder Sir Henry Segrave, is awarded to a British subject for outstanding achievements in transport on land, water or in the air.

"I'm very proud to receive the Segrave Trophy,” McNish said. “When I look at the achievements of Sir Henry Segrave himself, he really does epitomise the spirit of adventure, all the qualities that any racing driver would love to have.

“When you add into that the list of people like Sir Malcolm Campbell, Sir Jackie Stewart, Barry Sheene, and others who have actually been presented with this award on two and four wheels, on land, sea and in the air, it's really a who's who of sport and adventure.

“I feel very honoured that my name has been added to that list, especially after a long career and also after a fantastic 2008 season. To cap it all off with this fantastic award I feel very privileged."

Other former Segrave Trophy recipients include Sir Jackie Stewart OBE, Martin Brundle, world land speed record holder Andy Green, and Scottish female rally driver Louise Aitken-Walker.