Opening the event, the evocative exhibition “Schumacher 50”, curated by artist Filippo Di Mario, showed 80 works about the sporting and private life of the F1 star and served to frame and welcome all the guests of the evening.

ACI President Angelo Sticchi Damiani recalled the importance of Bologna in the world of two and four wheels: "Here you can breath the air of the engines.” He said “There are many people [in Bologna] who are passionate and live for cars. I feel at home here.”

ACI Bologna President Federico Bendinelli then thanked all those who worked to make the event the best possible success: “The numerous awards are proof of the liveliness of our world, which is confirmed as one of the most active in the area. Our commitment will always be greater so that everyone can be able to better express their abilities and the passion that unites us”.

Among those awarded was Stefano Domenicali, Chairman and CEO of Lamborghini and President of the FIA Single-Seater Commission, known as the "Gentleman President", for the extraordinary global success of the Automobili Lamborghini brand: “Lamborghini is growing because we have invested a lot in people and skills over the last two years. We managed to achieve absolutely unthinkable results. We have already won several races and we are convinced that we can continue to assert our brand values in these competitions.”

Matteo Bonciani, F1 Head of Communications and Media Delegate at the FIA, was then presented by President Bendinelli with the "Paolo Moruzzi" Journalist Award for his activity carried out at the head of F1 FIA communications. “This prize attests to what the FIA has done in F1 for the media and teams”, said Bonciani. “When I was in Ferrari I was a player, now I am a bit like a referee. It is certainly different but still very beautiful. The dedication of this award goes to Charlie Whiting, a person I met and with whom I spent more time than with my family.”

The evening ended with awards for local drivers who achieved the best results in their respective disciplines: Amedeo Venturi for the rally category, Francesco Amante, Andrea Baroni, Salvatore Asta and Gian Luca Calari for historic cars, Massimo Zanasi, Cristina Biagi and Fausto Governato for the historic regularity cars, and Manuel Dondi for modern cars.