The British Automobile Racing Club and its Council has bestowed Berne Ecclestone with its highest award, a BARC Gold Medal.

Not given out every year, the accolade is awarded by the Council of the BARC for outstanding achievement in motor racing by British subjects, with an impressive roll of honour dating back to 1955 already in place.

Announced at the annual BARC Championships Awards Evening this past Saturday [17th February], Ecclestone was awarded the coveted medal for his invaluable role within motorsport over the past seven decades.

Starting out as a keen competitor, Ecclestone’s first racing experience came in 1949 in Formula 3 however he soon began to make his name within motorsport managing the likes of Jochen Rindt before going on to Brabham in the early 1970’s.

Guiding the team to a brace of Formula One World Championship titles, Ecclestone soon became the figurehead of Formula One itself having played a pivotal role in setting up the Formula One Constructors Association.

From there Ecclestone became chief executive of FOCA in 1978 where he went onto revolutionise the sport by securing a lucrative television deal that has continued to grow into what it is today. Remaining at the helm of Formula One for a number of years, Ecclestone’s reign came to an end in early 2017 however he still works on a number of projects to this day.

Speaking on awarding Ecclestone with a Gold Medal at the event, BARC Chairman Tony Scott-Andrews said: “It is not every year that we award someone with a Gold Medal but when we do it is somebody that truly deserves it and is recognised for their hard work.

“When deliberating with the rest of the Council members, Bernie was the first name mentioned when it came to a Gold Medal. We all know of the mark and contribution he has made to motorsport.

“He has pushed helped push motorsport onto the global audience and has done a lot for the Club down the years too. Bernie therefore is immensely deserving of this accolade.”

Predecessors of Ecclestone that have been awarded a BARC Gold Medal include four-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton, Christian Horner, Ron Dennis and Allan McNish.

In the coming days you will be able to watch the full Bernie Ecclestone video on BARC TV.