Since 2007, Auto Sport Switzerland has presented the "Auto Sport Award" in recognition of special services to national and international motorsport. In 2020, this award goes to Fredy Lienhard.
The list of winners of the "Auto Sport Award" reads like a "who's who" of Swiss motorsport. In addition to well-known personalities such as Peter Sauber, Mario Illien and Paul Gutjahr, drivers such as Marcel Fässler, Neel Jani and, most recently, Sébastien Buemi have also been honored. Fredy Lienhard is another prominent name to be added in 2020.
One of the most successful Swiss racing drivers
Lienhard has been a fixture in Swiss motorsport for decades. The man from eastern Switzerland has made a name for himself as an internationally successful driver. On the other hand, the now 73-year-old is considered the biggest supporter in Swiss automobile and kart racing. Numerous drivers have only been able to take part in racing thanks to his generous support.
Many careers - from Gregor Foitek to Marc Benz and Simona De Silvestro - were and still are supported by Fredy Lienhard. Auto Sport Switzerland has also benefited from his long-term support. Since 2012, Lienhard has been the main sponsor of the Swiss Karting Championship, first with the LO brand (Lista Office) and since 2016 with his impressive "autobau Erlebniswelt" in Romanshorn, together with his son Fredy Alexander.
From karting to formula cars
Lienhard earned his first spurs in karting in the mid-sixties. After the early death of Alfred Lienhard Sr. at the age of just 22, "Fredy" found himself at the helm of LISTA, the company founded by his father, which employed around 400 people at the time. Lienhard accepted the challenge and turned the manufacturer of modular factory cabinet systems into a global industry leader. At the same time, he indulged in his hobby, racing. Lienhard initially celebrated numerous successes in Switzerland, but later also raced internationally. His career highlight behind the wheel came in 2002 (at the age of 55!) when he won the 24 Hours of Daytona in a Dallara-Judd alongside Mauro Baldi (I), Didier Theys (B) and Max Papis (I).
"Despite his financial resources and immense responsibility as an entrepreneur, Fredy has always remained a simple person, far removed from any snobbery," says Eugen Strähl, former Managing Director of Auto Sport Switzerland and long-time companion of Lienhard. Markus Hotz, founder of Horag Racing and, like Strähl, a long-time companion of Lienhard, echoes this sentiment: "As an entrepreneur at the helm of LISTA, Fredy always went his own way. And he was successful. In racing, he impressed me with his team spirit and generosity. He never blamed anyone for anything. He was always one of us."
Lienhard sold part of the LISTA company (LISTA Europe) in 2006. LISTA Office was also sold in 2018 and is now owned by the Chinese company Great Star Industries.
Due to the current situation, the presentation of the "Auto Sport Award" 2020 cannot take place as usual as part of the "Dîner des Champions". However, the award will be presented in an honorary setting on a suitable occasion as soon as circumstances allow.
The previous award winners at a glance
2007 Sébastien Buemi and Ulrich Giezendanner
2008 A1 Team Switzerland
2009 Fabio Leimer
2010 Peter Sauber
2011 Marcel Fässler
2012 (no award)
2013 Fabio Leimer
2014 Sébastien Buemi
2015 Stefano Comini
2016 Neel Jani
2017 Paul Gutjahr and Daniel Fausel
2018 Mario Illien
2019 Sébastien Buemi
2020 Fredy Lienhard
