June 17, 2009 (WAM) - The Abu Dhabi Spirit of the Rally award, which recognises outstanding feats of leadership, integrity, respect or teamwork at each World Rally Championship event, has been awarded to the young Greek driver Lambros Athanassoulas at the Acropolis Rally of Greece. Athanassoulas, who hails from Loutraki - the Acropolis Rally base - won the event's ?Performance' Championship and finished eighth overall despite being under immense pressure from his home crowd. The Abu Dhabi ?Spirit of the Rally' award, created by Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), the official sponsor of the World Rally Championship and the BP Ford Abu Dhabi Team, seeks out individuals or teams that go above and beyond their commitment to the sport.

"Lambros demonstrated excellence and integrity whilst driving with the weight of his nation on his shoulders. His Performance World Rally Championship victory coming as it did under such pressure has earned him the respect of his fellow drivers and spectators," said Ahmed Hussein, Deputy Director General, ADTA. "Lambros is an outstanding driver and we have chosen to award his passion for the sport and respect for his country, values that are so important to Abu Dhabi. I hope this recognition will help him in what looks sure to be a very successful career to come. His performance and achievement is something we hope our own Abu Dhabi junior drivers look to emulate as they forge their own rally careers." The award presentation was an emotional event for Lambros, who was fighting back the tears as he received it at the end of the rally. "Of course this means a lot - I don't have words to express how I feel. I really can't believe it - thanks to everybody for the award and thanks to my team and my family," said the young Greek.

The BP Ford Abu Dhabi team alliance is an initiative of the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority which is title sponsor of the BP Ford Abu Dhabi team, Official Destination partner of the World Rally Championship, and creator of the Abu Dhabi Junior Driver Development Programme.