"It's fantastic to see what rapid progress the rookies can make over just two days of training," said a delighted Christian Papillon, sporting director of the RBCI. Max Kalbfell, Head of Brand Communication MINI Germany, presented the award and summed up its significance: "The MINI Rookie Award recognises courage, speed and the will to achieve the best possible performance. Which is precisely what the MINI brand is all about. Mels acquitted himself admirably." In addition to the impressive trophy, Fabian Mels now has the chance to indulge in some high-speed cornering not just on ice but on the road as well - behind the wheel of a MINI. Last year's World Champion Martin Niefnecker congratulated Kyle Croxall on his overall win at the Munich event and shared Mels' delight at collecting the MINI Rookie Award.
This is the second time carmaker MINI has supported the Red Bull Crashed Ice World Championship as official automotive partner, continuing the collaboration with Austrian energy drink producer Red Bull that was successfully launched last year. MINI sets great store by promoting young talent. Following today's kick-off event in Munich, the MINI Rookie Award will also be presented at the next three events in the Red Bull Crashed Ice World Championship, to be held in Valkenburg, Netherlands (5 February), Moscow, Russia (26 February) and Quebec, Canada (19 March).