Frank
Williams has been awarded the Tom Wheatcroft Trophy in recognition of his contribution to world motorsport, which includes nine
Formula One world championships and 113 grands prix wins since appearing under his own name in 1975.
The trophy, which is a representation of a vintage steering wheel mounted on an interpretation of the car driven by Wheatcroft's grand prix protégé Roger Williamson, was created by Wheatcroft's son Kevin to recognise individuals making a major contribution to the sport.
“It is an honour to be giving the trophy to Frank," Wheatcroft Jr told the official
F1 website, "All the recipients of the Tom Wheatcroft trophy have a long history in the sport and have made a considerable contribution to the industry. This trophy is our way of giving something back, a heartfelt thank you to the people that make the sport what it is.”
Murray Walker, Professor Sid Watkins and
Bernie Ecclestone have all been honoured with the award since its 2002 inception, and Williams will receive the trophy from its 2007 recipient, Sir
Stirling Moss.
“When I heard that I was to receive the award, I was truly honoured," Williams admitted, "To join the list of formidable recipients of the Tom Wheatcroft trophy is a rare privilege. I've never forgotten the wet race at
Donington in 1993, not so much for the thrashing that Ayrton gave us, but for the fact that the race was privately funded by Tom, driven by his love and enthusiasm for the motor racing.”
