Raikkonen receives Steinmetz Trophy

As Kimi Raikkonen crossed the finishing line in today's Monaco Grand Prix, the Finn also became the latest Formula One driver to receive the prestigious Steinmetz Monaco Trophy.

The trophy is normally presented by His Serene Highness Prince Albert to the Monaco Grand Prix winner at the Awards Dinner. However due to the recent death of His Serene Highness Prince Rainier, the Awards Dinner this year has been cancelled. As a result the Steinmetz Monaco Trophy was presented to Kimi at the West McLaren Mercedes Communications Centre in the Formula One Paddock earlier this afternoon.

The trophy was presented to Kimi by CEO of Steinmetz Nir Livnat and Benny Steinmetz.

The 2005 Monaco Grand Prix also saw the West McLaren Mercedes team teaming up with Steinmetz, creators of the world's finest diamonds. Steinmetz worked with both Kimi and Juan Pablo to customize their helmets with brilliant diamonds expertly cut in Steinmetz's factory in South Africa. Kimi and Juan Pablo's names were expertly pavéd in diamonds on the side of the helmets. "Iceman" for Kimi and "Montoya" for Juan Pablo.

Obviously the diamonds have brought the drivers and the team luck at this year's Monaco Grand Prix and both helmets will be auctioned for charities nominated by the drivers and the team at a later date.

Facts about the Steinmetz Trophy

*This is the third time, the trophy has been awarded. It was won by Juan Pablo Montoya in 2003 and Jarno Trulli in 2004.

*The trophy is made out of solid gold and 400 diamonds

*The trophy resides on His Serene Highness Prince Albert's desk during the year. A smaller version of the trophy will be Kimi's to keep.

*The trophy took over 1000 hours to make by Her Majesty the Queen's prestigious private jewellers.

-mclaren-