FIA Formula 1 Medical Rescue Coordinator and Motorsport UK licensed official Dr Ian Roberts was among the recipients of an FIA President Award at last night’s virtual FIA Prize Giving.

They were recognised for their bravery and exceptional reaction in coming to the aid of Haas F1 team driver Romain Grosjean, following his accident on the opening lap of the Bahrain Grand Prix.

Marshals from the Bahraini International Circuit rushed to the scene to assist Grosjean’s escape from the fire that had engulfed his race car. They were joined by the FIA Formula 1 Medical Rescue Co-ordinator Dr Ian Roberts and FIA Formula 1 Medical Car Driver Alan van der Merwe. The combined heroics of this group of courageous individuals meant that Grosjean emerged with minor burns to his hands.

The Bahraini marshals were joined by Abdulaziz Al Thawadi, representing his Excellence Sheikh Abdulla Bin Isa Al-Khalifa, the President of the Bahrain Motor Federation, to receive the accolade from FIA President Jean Todt and Professor Gérard Saillant, President of the FIA Medical Commission.

Commenting on how the FIA’s unstinting efforts in motor sport bring benefits to everyday road users, President Todt, said: “It is the role of the FIA to improve safety. As motoring is progressing, motor sport is also progressing. Motor sport has to be a laboratory and every year, we improve the running of motor sport events and benefit mobility.

“We are relieved that Romain could escape, but we need to understand more about the accident. We need to learn from this as we do with every accident. That is how we make motor sport safer still.”
 
Grosjean praised the efforts of the medical teams. He said: “What I went through, I wish it to no one. Seeing the footage is still difficult for me but it makes me really proud of the medical teams and the marshals. I am sure they are very proud also.”