Schumacher, Alonso up for a fight

Although Schumacher lost out to Alonso in the world championship fight, his charge throughout the second half of the season has almost certainly left opinion divided among fans about who deserves the accolade.

Last year, Kimi Raikkonen beat Alonso to the trophy despite having lost to the Spaniard during their fight for the crown.

Schumacher and Alonso's teams will both be up for the International Racing Car of the Year Award, while Jenson Button looks set to have a fight on his hands from World Touring Car Champion Andy Priaulx for British Competition Driver.

Autosport.com's own Rookie of the Year Award also looks too close to call. Robert Kubica and Nico Rosberg both made great impressions during their debut seasons in Formula One, but British driver Lewis Hamilton in GP2 and Australian Will Power in Champ Car both shone strongly too.

The star-studded event, held at London's Grosvenor House, will also see the announcement of the highly sought-after McLaren Autosport BRDC Award for young drivers.

This year's nominees are Formula Renault UK front-runners Sam Bird and Jeremy Metcalfe, Formula BMW duo Oliver Oakes and Oliver Turvey, Formula Palmer Audi champion Jon Barnes, and UK Formula Ford champion Nathan Freke.

Autosport.com will keep you fully up to date with the latest news from the Autosport Awards as it happens.