Stirling Moss, probably the greatest driver never to be Formula One world champion, was honoured by the sport's governing body on Friday.

The International Automobile Federation (FIA) said in a statement that the 77-year-old Briton had been presented with the FIA gold medal for motor sport at the end-of-year gala awards in Monaco.

The medal is awarded to an individual who has made a substantial contribution to motor racing either by exceptional success or outstanding effort.

"There are few drivers in the history of motor sport who have been as deserving of this award as Sir Stirling," said FIA president Max Mosley.

"It is not just his remarkable success across all categories of racing that stands him apart but also his continuing contribution to the promotion of motor sport."

Moss, team mate to the late Argentine great Juan Manuel Fangio at Mercedes in 1955, was runner-up in the Formula One championship from 1955-1958 while also winning the Mille Miglia and Targa Florio sportscar races.

"This is the first FIA award that I have ever won," he said.