British Comp. Driver: Jenson Button

The Honda Racing driver took the trophy amid rapturous applause, having captured his maiden Grand Prix victory at the Hungarian Grand Prix this year.

Button used the opportunity of his award to get sweet revenge on Autosport Awards host Steve Rider - who last year gave the British driver a lot of stick for his failure to capture that first win.

"Mr. Rider, I've got a small gift for you," said Button after he got on stage. "It is a small piece of humble pie. My mum was going to make a bigger version but we didn't - we were going to put it in your face!"

Button, who was presented with his award by Martin Brundle and Damon Hill, said that he never lost faith in his quest to be a winner.

"Definitely not," said Button. "You can't . I am here for one reason and that is to do the best job I can. You cannot lose faith and you have to give it all - so that is what we did.

"To get our first win this year is spectacular and hopefully the first of many that we will get in the future."

Button said the support of his fans, who voted for the Award, was important to him.

"Having the support behind you makes the big difference," he explained. "I have had a lot of support, even in the bad years, but to get the win this year was spectacular.

"We were the best team on the day, we did the best job on the day, we didn't have the quickest car but we got the job done."