Biaggi and Sofuoglu pick up their awards at 2012 FIM Gala

More than five hundred guests packed into the prestigious ‘Salle des Etoiles' room of the Sporting Monte-Carlo to enjoy a very special evening that rewarded the exploits of the World's best motorcycle riders. Broadcast live on TV in several different countries a host of motorcycling legends were on hand to present the 2012 FIM World Champions with their respective awards, whilst also being honoured themselves for their achievements to two wheel sports.

On picking up his award from bike racing legend Jim Redman, six-time world champion Max Biaggi was given a much-deserved standing ovation. "For me it's a great honour to be here, even though it's for the final time in my career", he declared during the Gala Evening. "After 20 years of racing it's fantastic to receive this recognition: there couldn't be a better place to celebrate a hard-fought 2012 season. I am happy with my decision to retire, a new phase of my life together with my family is is now beginning for me".

Kenan Sofuoglu picked up his third Supersport World Championship award for his title win, this year with Kawasaki Lorenzini. In 2013 the Turkish rider will defend the number 1 plate for the new Mahi Racing Team India Kawasaki, hoping to confirm his place as the most successful Supersport rider of all time.

Speaking at this unique occasion FIM President Vito Ippolito stated: "The third FIM Gala Ceremony in Monte-Carlo was the perfect moment to congratulate and honour our 2012 Champions not only in the ‘Salle des Etoiles', but also in front of millions of TV viewers around the globe. Again I must thank the riders and teams for being here tonight. They truly understand the importance of the FIM Gala both for the FIM and for motorcycle sport as a whole."