Sarrazin receives Inmarsat Star of Rally in Spain.

On his only his third WRC event, and his twelfth ever competitive rally, former F1 tester Stephane Sarrazin was awarded the Inmarsat 'Star of the Rally' after a superb performance on Rallye Catalunya.

The Frenchman, driving a customer Subaru Impreza, set the quickest stage time on SS15 on his way to fourth place overall, ahead of the works Subaru of Petter Solberg.

Sarrazin has made an impressive switch from circuit racing and F1 testing to become a force to be reckoned with in his first year behind the wheel of a rally car. In 2002, Sarrazin was test driver for Toyota F1 and prior to that with the Prost Grand Prix team. His performance in Spain follows a ninth place in Germany and a sixth place in Corsica two weeks ago.

Nicky Grist, former world title winning co-driver and head of the panel of judges explained why Sarrazin was given the award.

"Stephane is a man of true versatility," he said. "This rally, he has shown he is by no means just an F1 test driver, he really can drive a rally car. The guy has without doubt put in an exceptional performance in difficult conditions."

Sarrazin himself was understandably pleased to win the award.

"I am so proud to win this [award]," he said, "it makes a great rally for me even better. To be Inmarsat Star of the Rally is a true honour, especially so soon in my rally career and on only my third ever WRC event."

In his first rally season, Sarrazin has been competing in the French Rally Championship, where he has had six out of six podiums (including three wins). There are two events remaining of this championship.