NewsOnF1 - 2002 Grand Prix Party

As the Formula 1 fraternity heads full throttle towards the start of the 2002 season, the Grand Prix Party, held tonight at the Royal Albert Hall in aid of Professor Sid Watkins' charity, the Brain and Spine Foundation, proved a welcome night's diversion for some of the best known names in F1.

For a second year, the night's entertainment was hosted by TV's brainiest beauty Carol Vorderman and F1 pundit Tony Jardine. The duo were joined on stage by F1 stars Jean Alesi, Alex Yoong and Damon Hill - not to mention some of the most talented names in the motorsport industry, such as Ferrari's Technical Director Ross Brawn and McLaren's Adrian Newey. Team bosses on-stage and in the audience included Ron Dennis (McLaren), Paul Stoddart (Minardi), Eddie Jordan (Jordan) and David Richards (B.A.R).

The evening was orchestrated by Jools Holland, with special guests Mark Almond, Atomic Kitten, Edwin Starr, Ronnie Wood, Mick Hucknall and a welcome onstage appearance by Damon Hill and his band. The 6000 strong crowd were on their feet dancing, and it was clear Damon relished every moment on stage: "That was fantastic", he said. "The crowd were very good to us. We rocked Old Albert tonight!" Eddie Jordan also took the opportunity to show off his drumming talents, with his band V10 equally pleased to have been invited to join the party.

The Bernie's - F1's answer to The Oscars - were presented on the night. Rookie of The Year went to McLaren's new kid on the block Kimi Raikkonen, and was received by Ron Dennis on his behalf. Outstanding Contribution in 2001 went to European Minardi Chairman Paul Stoddart, while Jean Alesi also landed a statuette for his Contribution to F1. Jean took time out of a hectic schedule to attend the awards ceremony and to join Professor Sid Watkins and his friends. "All the years I've been in F1 Professor Watkins has looked after us so to speak. This is the first opportunity I've had to attend the event and I'm delighted to be here this evening". The Award for Technical Excellence was won by Ferrari's Ross Brawn, with Michael Schumacher winning Driver of the Year. The final Award for Lifetime Achievement went to Sir Frank Williams.

Other notable moments of the evening included an emotional standing ovation for the nation's favourite commentator Murray Walker OBE, who joined his colleagues on stage for a fond farewell after 52 years in the business and to share some of his favourite memories.

Following the awards a charity auction of F1 memorabilia took place, with the aim of raising more funds for the Brain and Spine Foundation. Speaking about the importance of the evening to his charity, Professor Sid Watkins said: "The aims of the foundation are educational, scientific and supportive. Last year the money we raised went towards fulfilling those aims and we're very grateful for all the support we have had again this year from the Formula One fraternity and the celebrities that have joined us tonight. It's also been great fun!"

The 2002 GRAND PRIX PARTY event beneficiary, the Brain and Spine Foundation, works to improve the quality of life for people with neurological disorders and reduce neurological disability through vital research, education and information.

3 million people in the UK alone are currently affected by neurological disorders and the money raised at the Grand Prix Party will continue the Foundation's ground-breaking research and treatment programme that is used by neurosurgeons across the globe.

FIA Medical Delegate (on-track neurosurgeon), Professor Sid Watkins, is a patron of the charity.

Information on the Brain and Spine Foundation can be found at www.brainandspine.org.uk