As well as the season's various champions, and the odd figure from history, who were singled out for silverware at the annual FIA prizegiving in Monaco at the weekend, other institutions picked up rewards for services to motorsport.

The first FIA Institute Centre of Excellence trophy was presented to Circuit Paul Ricard High Tech Test Track in a VIP pre-awards ceremony at the FIA Gala in the Monaco Sporting Club. The hand-crafted sterling silver trophy was collected by the venue's Philippe Gurdjian. The trophy's unique shape, inspired by the FIA Institute Centre of Excellence 'Vortex' logo, reflects the values and technical distinction required by the FIA Institute from recipients of this award.

“I am very proud to receive this award as is it demonstrates that Paul Ricard has been a pioneer in its development of motorsport safety," Gurdjian said, "I look forward to a long working relationship with the FIA Institute as, together, we continue to develop and improve this important area of motor racing.”

The Centre of Excellence programme forms the cornerstone of the FIA Institute's aim to encourage excellence in all aspects of motor sport safety. The award recognises and rewards excellence at circuits around the world. Paul Ricard HTTT was chosen as the first recipient of the award because of its high safety standards and its continual developments in this field. It boasts a number of unique safety features, including 25 acres of run-off, made from a special type of asphalt rather than the gravel beds used at other circuits.

“Paul Ricard has proved itself to be one of the safest tracks in the world and its medical facilities are second to none,” FIA Institute president Professor Sid Watkins explained.

Bridgestone was awarded the FIA's second annual World Prize for Road Safety, the Environment and Mobility for its outstanding contribution to the promotion of road safety.

The award is given for exceptional merit or endeavour by individuals or organisations involved in motoring and mobility. The FIA Academy, which is made up of eight senior members of the FIA and its national automobile clubs, gave the award to Bridgestone primarily for the promotion of its worldwide 'Think Before You Drive' campaign. The trophy, a crystal globe surrounded by a silver-plated flower, was presented to Bridgestone's CEO and president Shoshi Arakawa.

“I'm extremely pleased and proud to accept this prestigious award on behalf of Bridgestone," Arakawa admitted, "Since 2005, we have teamed up with the FIA Foundation to actively promote road safety through the 'Think Before You Drive' campaign, which has been conducted in almost 80 countries successfully. We are continuously pursuing our road safety initiatives for the future, emphasising Bridgestone's commitment to safety and contributing to the global goal of reducing the number of road deaths and casualties.”

The campaign message, promoted in conjunction with the FIA Foundation, has reached every region of the world and is backed by FIA member clubs from more than 60 countries. Launched in 2005, it identifies the main causes of serious or fatal crashes and urges motorists to implement simple safety measures before they drive, usually actions which take just a few seconds - such as checking tyres, fastening seat belts, using child restraints and adjusting head rests - but can make massive differences in saving lives. The messages have been promoted by major motorsport personalities, including seven-time Formula One world champion Michael Schumacher, Rubens Barrichello and Mark Webber.