Dindo Capello has been honoured with one of the 'Oscars of motorsport' for the part he played in Audi's outstanding American Le Mans Series success in 2006.

The Italian received the recognition – the 'Casco d'oro' or 'Golden Helmet' – from Italian magazine Autosprint at a ceremony in Bologna, after he and team-mate Allan McNish drove their R10 TDI to eight victories over the course of the year as part of an unbeaten run for the revolutionary new diesel-powered sportscar.

It is the second time in his career the 42-year-old has received the prestigious award, having previously been presented with it in 2003.

“In Italy, the Casco d'oro is the Oscar of motorsport,” he explained. “That's why this award means a lot to me.”

McNish, meanwhile, has been receiving plaudits too, after receiving the BRDC/ACO Trophy for being the best-placed British driver in the Le Mans 24 Hours from the British Racing Drivers' Club. The Scotsman was also voted 'Audi personality of the Year 2006' by the British readers of Audi specialist magazine Audi Driver.