The best drivers and teams of the now-concluded 2009 season were awarded their prizes at the glittering gala finale traditionally organised by the Féderation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) in Monaco.

SEAT was the outstanding player for the second year running – both the brand itself and driver Gabriele Tarquini were handed their respective trophies as WTCC world champions in their respective categories. Gabriele and SEAT were also accompanied by the race-winning León TDI WTCC at the award ceremony. SEAT Sport Director Jaime Puig accepted SEAT’s prize as the manufacturers’ World Champion. Gabriele picked up his trophy as drivers’ World Champion, as did Yvan Muller as World Champion Runner-up.

Gabriele Tarquini: “After losing the 2008 title to Yvan at the last race, my target this year was to win. Especially because I felt that this could have been my last opportunity to become world champion.”

Jaime Puig: “Winning two championships for the second year was the reward for a fantastic season and I want to thank the whole team for their effort, their great capacity for work and their solidarity.”