Four leading international companies - Michelin, Philips, Rolex, and Volkswagen – have been announced as the Official Partners of the 2013 FIA Prize-Giving ceremony.

The annual event is the glittering occasion when the motor sport champions from each of the main FIA Championships are honoured for their outstanding success over the past season. This year’s event will be held in Paris on Friday 6 December 2013.

Building on its existing partnership with the FIA to promote the FIA Action for Road Safety campaign worldwide, Michelin has been announced as an Official Partner of the ceremony. Pascal Couasnon, Head of Michelin Motorsport said:“Michelin's presence alongside the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile as an Official Partner of the FIA Prize-Giving event reflects the importance the Group attaches to competition, and the passion that has been driving its people for more thana century. Innovations developed by Michelin as technical partner of the FIA World Rally Championship, the FIA World Endurance Championship and the new FIA Formula E Championship, bring progress to all motorists in terms ofsafety, performance, durability and energy efficiency.”

Philips, the world leading group in health and well-being has also been announced as an Official Partner. The lighting and LED world leader today equips one in two cars in Europe and one in three worldwide. The company will be supporting the FIA Prize-Giving ceremony trough the supply of its latest lighting and healthcare solutions. As the FIA is inventing tomorrow’s motorsport, in particular with the new FIA Formula E Championship, Philips is focusing on improving people’s today and tomorrow’s lives through sustainable innovations.

Likewise, Official Partner Volkswagen boasts a long tradition of participation in motor sport and will supply the cars and buses for the FIAPrize-Giving event. Dr. Heinz-Jakob Neusser, Member of the Board of Management Volkswagen Brand and Head of Group Powertrain Development Volkswagen Group said: “After winning the FIA World Rally Championship title, it is a great honour for Volkswagen to become an Official Partner of the FIA Prize-Giving 2013.”

 

The Swiss luxury watchmaker Rolex has also announced that it will reinforce its association with motor sport, by becoming multi-year partner of the FIA Prize-Giving event. Arnaud Boetsch, Communications and Image Director at Rolex stated: “Rolex is delighted to reinforce its long-standing commitment to motor racing and itssupport of world sport at the very highest level by becoming multi-year partner of the FIA Prize-Giving Ceremony. As the leading brand in the Swisswatchmaking industry, Rolex is proud to be a major force at play behind thefinest events in motor sports. Whether supporting the leading motor sports series, the FIA Formula One World Championship, iconic endurance races suchas the 24 Hours of Le Mans, or maintaining tradition with the historic Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance or through its partnership with brand ambassadors Sir Jackie Stewart and Tom Kristensen, Rolex has cultivated a privileged relationship with this fast-paced world.” 

FIA President, Jean Todt commented: “The FIA Prize-Giving is a highlight of the Federation's calendar year. It is the moment when the exceptional achievements of each of the FIAchampions are officially recognised by the international sporting community. We are delighted to have leading companies of the calibre of Michelin, Philips, Rolex and Volkswagen supporting this prestigious occasion for the first time”.