Schumacher gives Germany the Cup

Schumacher, who received a standing ovation from the crowd, presented the trophy to young driver Nico Hulkenberg, who dominated the 2006/2007 season with nine race wins - including the final one, last Sunday at Brands Hatch.

"Nico's driving and A1 Team Germany's achievements this year have been excellent," Schumacher said after the event. "He has everything he needs for the future - it is a long way to go, but he is working hard, so why can he not achieve everything?"

The Team Germany franchise is held by Schumacher's manager, Willi Weber, and the retired F1 driver admitted this made the team's achievement all the more special to him.

"I am proud as a German, but it is also the personal connections I have that make this special to me," Schumacher added.

19-year-old Hulkenberg looked clearly proud, and he said: "It is what a driver always wants to achieve: winning races and winning a championship. That's what we did this year.

"It is a good championship and it's great to represent your country. I'm proud to have own this title."

The end of the second A1GP season saw Team New Zealand take the runner-up trophy, with their driver Jonny Reid taking the silver medal.

Dutch driver Jeroen Bleekemolen took the award for the best overtaking manoeuvre of the season, for his move on the Team Great Britain car at his home race in Zandvoort.

Zandvoort was also named the host of best A1GP event of the season, while Team Netherlands won the fans' vote as the best A1 team of 2006/7.

"Tonight is a celebration of all we have achieved this season," A1GP Chairman, Tony Teixeira said at the gala.

"The teams, drivers and all involved in A1GP, have put on a magnificent show, which I know will be improved upon again as we head to Zandvoort in September for our third season.

"I would like to congratulate A1 Team Germany for winning the World Cup and thank them and our other teams for the exciting races they have put on throughout the season.

"In Nico Hulkenberg we have found a fresh young driver who clearly has a bright future ahead of him and I am honoured to represent a sporting series that has given him the opportunity to shine on the international stage."