F1 awards at the 2003 Grand Prix party.

Christmas may be looming large on the horizon, but for the F1 world, attentions are firmly focussed on the F1 Awards and the 2003 Grand Prix Party.

The evening of Saturday January 11th will see Formula One take over the NEC, Birmingham, for a high octane celebration of the great and the good of the world's most glamorous sport.

Award categories, to be voted by an elite F1 panel are:

1. Best Driver - Individual excellence.
2. Best Newcomer - The rookie driver who has had the biggest impact.
3. Best Car - Team and technology in perfect harmony?
4. Best Circuit - The most exciting, the safest, best facilities....
5. Outstanding Contribution in 2002 - Which F1 personality stood out last year?
6. Special Safety Award - Acknowledging that safety will always be a priority.
7. Lifetime Achievement Award - Without whom the sport would be poorer.

Also to be announced on the evening is the inaugural 'Driver's Driver' award, voted for by the Drivers and Test Drivers of 2002.

David Coulthard, Giancarlo Fisichella and Mark Webber have already confirmed their attendance, as have 1996 World Champion Damon Hill, legendary commentator Murray Walker, Martin Brundle, Mark Blundell, Eddie Jordan and of course, Bernie Ecclestone himself.

Over the previous two years at the Royal Albert Hall, the Grand Prix Party has offered an eclectic mix of the very best of British music and this year looks set to follow suit with soul diva Beverley Knight becoming the first musical act to confirm for 2003.

The Grand Prix Party is held in aid of the Brain and Spine Foundation, for whom FIA Medical Delegate, Professor Sid Watkins is patron.