Grapevine: Schumacher Wins ESPY Award for Best Driver

World Champion Michael Schumacher on Wednesday received the ESPY award for best driver of 2001, the first time that the German has won such award.

The Ferrari star last year became only the third Formula One driver in history to win four titles, and in 2002 Schumacher could clinch a record-equalling fifth world crown if he manages to increase his 54-advantage by six points at next week's French Grand Prix.

To win this year's ESPY awards for Excellence in Sports Performance, Schumacher had to beat NASCAR champion Jeff Gordon, CART champion Gil de Ferran, and 2001 IRL winner Sam Hornish among other drivers.

Former winners of the award include 1992 Formula One champion Nigel Mansell and two-time Indy 500 winner Al Unser Jr.

Because the ceremony was moved to July from February, the nominees were considered from a period of more than a year and in some sports, more than one season. The winners were chosen by a 151-member panel of athletes and coaches, as well as print and broadcast journalists.

This year's ceremony was dominated by golfer Tiger Woods, who won three trophies to increase his total to 14.

The ESPY awards also supports The V Foundation for Cancer Research, established at the inaugural ESPYs in 1993.