Saturday December 2, 2023, the FIM Awards welcomed the two-wheel stars to Liverpool, England, in the presence of FIM President Jorge Viegas. After his speech, Jorge Viegas then awarded the FIM Distinctions – the Nicolas Rodil des Valle Gold Medal, to long-time circuit racing journalist Michael Scott and, posthumously, to Mike Trimby, CEO and founder of IRTA. Then the champions of the different disciplines were rewarded as part of a unique celebration of their successes of the year, with a very elegant look.
The 2023 FIM MotoGP™ World Champion Francis Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) celebrated his second title in the premier class, receiving his FIM medal as he returned to the stage for the second year in a row. Pecco joins only Marc Marquez et Valentino Rossi among the riders who defended their crown in the MotoGP™ era.
Pecco Bagnaia was joined by the 2 FIM Moto2023™ World Champion, Peter Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo), who has just tested a MotoGP™ for the first time before his debut in the premier class next year, as well as by the 3 FIM Moto2023™ World Champion, James Masia (Leopard Racing), at the end of an incredible season.
Mattia Casadei (HP Pons Los40), the very first FIM Enel MotoE™ World Champion since the electric series became a Championship in 2023, also walked the red carpet and received his medal. Others in attendance included 2023 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Champion, Alvaro Bautista, and the 2023 Finetwork FIM JuniorGP™ champion, Angel Piqueras, the latter before his move to the Moto3™ world championship next year.
Always at speed on the asphalt, were also celebrated Todd Ellis and Emanuelle Clément (Sidecar), Nicholas Bulega (Supersport), jeffrey buis (Supersport 300), as well as the team of YART Yamaha OfficialEWC Team, Niccolò Canepa, Marvin Fritz et Karel Hanika.
The gala closes the 2023 season in style, as we head into the winter break. Then it will be time for the wheels to turn again as the Shakedown and Sepang Tests fire us up for 2024… so watch this space and get ready to celebrate 75 years of motorcycle Grand Prix all season long!
