OCTOBER 14, 2004

The FIA recognizes Prince Rainier and Jacques Chirac

The FIA used its 100th anniversary celebrations to institute a Gold Medal for Motor Sport and a World Prize for Road Safety, the Environment and Mobility. The first winner of the Gold Medal His Serene Highness Prince Rainier of Monte Carlo for his constant support for motorsport, be it through the Monte Carlo Rally, which dates back to 1911, or the Monaco Grand Prix, which began in 1929. None of this would have been possible without the long standing support, enthusiasm and leadership of Prince Rainier and his family.

"Their contribution," says the FIA, "has been truly exceptional and has made a contribution to motor sport that is quite unique."

The inaugural FIA World Prize for Road Safety, the Environment and Mobility has been awarded to the President of the French Republic, Jacques Chirac for his work in reducing road accidents in France. In 2002 there were 7400 people killed on the roads of France, thanks to Chirac's initiative that total has dropped to 4900 in just two years.Ê