“CHRISTO” COLLECTS BRITISH FORMULA THREE “ROOKIE OF THE YEAR” AWARD
7th Dec 2009
Riki Christodoulou has been presented with the 2009 Cooper Tires British Formula 3 International Series “Rookie of the Year” Award.
The 21-year-old from Sutton Coldfield finished fifth in the championship standings after netting a win, two seconds plus one third placing in the 20-race series. He collected his spoils at the annual SRO Motorsports Group awards held in West Sussex.
“It was gratifying to get this award which now brings the curtain down on my first season in the Formula Three category,” said Riki.
“It was an opportunity to reflect on this season because once the chequered flag was waved in the final race back in September, much of my thoughts have been about next year.”
Forty-eight hours later “Christo” attended the annual AUTOSPORT Awards in London (6 Dec), accompanying his cousin, Adam, who was a finalist for the BRDC Award. Riki rubbed shoulders with Britain’s last three Formula One World Champions Jenson Button, Lewis Hamilton and Damon Hill at the Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane, London.
“It was a really cool evening and gave me the opportunity to chat with a lot of people,” Riki added. “I spoke to a number of drivers, Jenson Button’s father, John, Red Bull Racing’s Team Principal, Christian Horner, plus actor James Corden, from the TV programme Gavin & Stacey, who was an incredibly funny guy.”
Riki, who is sponsored by Alpinestars and British Car Registrations, attended The British Racing Drivers’ Club’s Superstars and Rising Stars luncheon in London today (7 Dec) – “Christo” having been selected for the Superstars initiative which supports young drivers from a cross-section of motor racing disciplines and championships for a second year.
Last month, Riki helped to raise money for BBC’s annual Children In Need appeal. Teaming up with cousin, Adam, and TV motoring presenter, Tiff Needell, “Christo” finished third in a 24 hour “motor race” driving a sportscar on a racing simulator at workshops in Southampton.
Riki concluded: “I’ve attended a number of functions in recent weeks, including another BRDC event in which Grand Prix winner Mark Webber gave an informative presentation, but after today’s event it’s a case of getting back to focusing on 2010.
“This year’s racing programme came together literally days before the season began in April and that was not ideal. I want to be in a position to announce my 2010 plans early in the New Year.”
About Riki Christo
Riki Christodoulou has been racing as long as he can remember. Through karts, Formula Renault and now in the British Formula 3 International series. Riki continues to compete in top flight motorsport as one of the UK’s most promising young racing car drivers.
