Gregor Grant: Sainz

Sainz's long-time co-driver Luis Moya, along with Autosport editor John McIlroy, presented the award to the legendary Spaniard, who accepted his prize to a standing ovation.

Sainz broke the record for most WRC wins when he won in Argentina earlier this year, at 42. His championship titles came in 1990 and 1992, but he has never been far from the front and helped Citroen to this year's manufacturer title.

"My last rally was Catalunya - my home event," said Sainz. "It was a great weekend thanks to everybody. It was very emotional. To drive flat-out in front of 100-150,00 of your countrymen in your final rally is a quite incredible feeling.

"I have to thank Subaru, Lancia, Ford, Citroen of course and Toyota. I have been fortunate to work with such professional people in my career and I have been fortunate to have such a career."

Sainz announced his retirement towards the end of the 2004 season, but injury meant that he missed the final round in Australia. Looking back on an amazing career, he had this to say to the guests of the Autosport Awards: "I must say today to everybody who is here, people who love motorsport, that this means so very much to me.

"Coming from a country like Spain which has not always been a big motorsport nation, I have been very fortunate and I have loved this sport so very much.

"Thank you everybody for your warm welcome and please keep enjoying this wonderful sport."