Newly-crowned Junior World Rally Champion P-G Andersson has been voted "Rising Star" by an international panel of drivers and team managers as part of the "Inmarsat FIA WRC Star of 2004" awards.
The Suzuki driver was awarded the "Rising Star" prize, which recognises the most promising young talent to have emerged throughout the year in international rallying. All the factory teams and drivers were asked to nominate the young driver who has displayed the most potential throughout the season, and Andersson received the majority of votes.

The Swede, whose second place in Catalunya netted him the Junior World Rally Champion's title, said: "I am very flattered: this is the most prestigious award I have ever received in my life. What makes it very special is the fact that the people voting are those who one day I hope to compete against. I'd like to thank everyone who voted for me, and I will try to live up to their high level of expectation!"

The prize is backed by Inmarsat, whose satellite communications provide essential back-up to the World Rally Championship.