Force India Belgian pole voted best 2009 moment

After picking up points in the Malaysian Grand Prix last weekend, Dr Vijay Mallya, chairman and team principal of the Force India F1 Team, was delighted to pick up another award: the LG Moment of the Year in association with F1 Racing and the Formula One Teams’ Association (FOTA).

More than 88,000 Formula 1 fans worldwide voted that Force India’s pole position with Giancarlo Fisichella and then charge to second place in the Belgian Grand Prix was the best moment of the 2009 FIA Formula One World Championship. Almost one fifth of the voters chose this event as their favourite, beating Jenson Button clinching the world championship in Brazil into second place.

Voters from countries across the world voted via the internet for their greatest moment of the year. The survey was conducted over a two week period in February 2010, with other contenders in this historic and thrilling season including the Brawn 1-2 in Melbourne, Mark Webber’s first victory and Lewis Hamilton’s race drive in Silverstone. The unexpected pole for Giancarlo and then his podium finish was however voted the highlight of the season.

Dr Mallya: "It’s a real honour that genuine fans of the sport see our podium and pole position as their highlight of last year’s classic season of racing. I believe it was the real spirit of the team in the face of adversity and ultimate triumph that stood out in people’s minds. Everyone loves when something unexpected happens in F1 and after our relatively quiet start to the year to arrive in Belgium, start on the front row and then finish on the podium seemed to come out of nowhere for the fans. They could also see the real joy etched in each and every one of the team’s faces. For me it shows that fans see that exhilaration and appreciate the hard work that got us there. This award is really for all of the team and on behalf of them, many thanks to all the voters and to LG."