British Driver: Jenson Button

Button's exceptional car control, mature driving and positive attitude made him a deserving winner of this award. During 2003 he showed his class by outscoring his team-mate Jacques Villeneuve (a former world champion) as well as often beating him in qualifying.

England Rugby World Cup hero Matt Dawson was there (with easily the loudest ovation of the night) to give Button his prize.

"I'm definitely a more experienced driver," said Button. "We work as a team, and there's a fantastic atmosphere in the team. From the moment I got there we just got straight to work and we did it well. Next year is going to be very important."

Highlights of Jenson's year were fourth places at the Japanese and Austrian Grands Prix, sevenths at the Nurburgring and Sepang and eighth in Germany, San Marino and at home in Britain.

Button was asked if he had any advice for Dawson, now that the Rugby star's profile had risen following the World Cup. "Take all the free things!" said Button. "I watched the final in the Columbus Hotel in Monaco. I think it was the most emotional day of my life!"