Bernie awards handed out at Indy.

F1's equivalent to the Oscars - the Bernie Awards - were handed out over the weekend prior to the United States Grand Prix by Indianapolis circuit boss Tony George and Professor Sid Watkins.

The Awards, moulded in the shape of F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone, were handed to Michael Schumacher (Driver of the Year), Kimi Raikkonen (Rookie Of The Year), Sir Frank Williams (Lifetime Achievement), Paul Stoddart (Outstanding Contribution to F1) and Ross Brawn (Technical Excellence).

Meanwhile after two highly successful years at the London Royal Albert Hall, and due to overwhelming demand, F1's 'Academy Awards' The Bernies will now be staged at the much larger Birmingham NEC Arena in 2003 on Saturday the 11th January on the Autosport International weekend.

The 2003 F1 Academy Awards form the centre-piece of the Grand Prix Party, a high octane night of "Stars, Cars and Guitars" to raise money for F1 favourite Professor Sid Watkins' charity the Brain and Spine Foundation and featuring big names from the worlds of music, showbiz and motorsport.

Having been so well received by fans and the industry alike since their inception in 2001, 'The Bernies' will be extended to 10 categories in 2003, and in a further development, winners will now be voted for by an Academy of leading F1 figures including Bernie Ecclestone himself, along with readers of F1 Racing magazine, The Sun and ITV viewers.

Professor Watkins, said: "It was fantastic to have all the 2002 Bernie winners together in Indianapolis. Michael Schumacher was delighted to have won the best driver Bernie for the second year in a row and congratulations to Kimi for making such an impact in his rookie year."

"Thanks to Tony George as well for taking the time to help. Bernie and I look forward to an even higher profile 2003 F1 Academy Awards as part of the Autosport International weekend in January."