Michael
Park 'Beef'
Trophy
goes to
Prevot

To perpetuate his memory a group of friends and colleagues - inspired by Vincent Laverne - commissioned the trophy, a bronze bust created by French artist Francois Chevalier and donated to Michael’s wife, Marie, and children, William and Victoria.

Each season a smaller replica trophy is awarded to a co-driver who has best demonstrated the qualities associated with Park - a much-missed member of the WRC community - during his career, taking into account overall performances, attitude, commitment and other actions or achievements.

Paul Turner, Park’s manager, who along with Robert Reid, Mark Wilford and Laverne formed part of the judging team, said: “Stephane is a hugely experienced but, at the same time, modest and unassuming co-driver who goes about his business in a low profile but utterly professional way, traits which were, of course, true of Michael as well. Michael always had a lot of time for Stephane and I know he would absolutely approve of the decision to present him with this prestigious award.”

After receiving his award from Ford World Rally Team boss Malcolm Wilson in Cardiff earlier today, Belgian Prevot, who co-drives WRC Team MINI Portugal’s Chris Atkinson in the FIA World Rally Championship, said: “I am surprised to receive this because I didn’t do so much in the WRC for the last three years. But it is special because it has Michael’s name on it. We worked together for 15 years, sometimes as team-mates. He was such a nice guy and a friend to everybody, so professional. I don’t keep any trophies from the rallies, but for sure this one I will.”

Jonas Andersson, Daniel Elena and John Kennard were also considered for this year’s prize. Previous winners include Timo Rautiainen (2007), Denis Giraudet (2008), Jarmo Lehtinen (2009), Phil Mills (2010) and Ilka Minor (2011).