Monger to receive prestigious award

Monger to receive prestigious award

Originally written by Joas van Wingerden. This version is a translation.

Sunday 16 December 2018 12:54

Billy Monger will be awarded a prestigious award at the BBC's Sports Personality of the Year show in recognition of his spectacular return to racing in 2018 after having both legs partially amputated as a result of injuries sustained in a horrific crash.

Monger was racing in British Formula 4 at the time of his accident, but returned to racing less than a year later in F3, securing a podium on his first race back driving a specially modified Carlin.

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The teenager recently completed a cockpit extraction test with a halo as he attempts to earn a spot on the new FIA-affiliated Formula 3.

F3 will run as a feeder series to Formula 1 in 2019, although it is understood that Monger still needs to secure sponsorship in order to race.

His incredible story will hopefully catch some attention once again this weekend as he steps up to collect the Helen Rollason Award at the SPOTY ceremony.

The award is given to sportspeople that have overcome adversity to secure success and has previously been awarded to Williams boss Frank Williams.

"Billy truly embodies what this award is all about - overcoming adversity and triumphing during times of immense struggle," said Barbara Slater, director of BBC Sport.

"I am looking forward to watching this remarkable young man collect his award on the night and watching his undoubtedly bright future unfold."

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