British Competition Driver: David Coulthard

The Mclaren driver won three Grands Prix and finished third overall - the top British driver. His success was reflected by the Autosport readers' choice of him as their British Competition Driver of the Year, for which he wins the famous Ferodo Trophy.

Coulthard's achievement was all the greater following the Scot's miracle escape from an air crash that tragically claimed the lives of both his pilots. 'DC' had already won his second British GP, but went on to take victory in Monaco and France.

Testing commitments prevented Coulthard from collecting his prize in person, but he asked that his friend and former mentor Paul Stewart collected the prize from US racing legend Dan Gurney.

"David Coulthard has got great credentials to win the World Championship and has asked me to thank the readers of Autosport for this award, although I'm sure he'd want to collect the World Championship and not just the award," said Stewart, who is successfully battling against cancer of the colon.

"I've been encouraged by all the support I've had from people in motorsport throughout what's been a turbulent summer and I would like to thank them for that."

Coulthard was also the winner of the award in 1994. Nigel Mansell is a four-time winner, with Damon Hill (three times), Eddie Irvine, Mark Blundell and Dario Franchitti among recent recipients.

For a full list of sponsors for the 2000 Autosport Awards, please click here.