The 'Golden Helmet' or 'Casco d'Oro' is an annual award, introduced in 1966 by specialist magazine, Autosprint, Italy's leading motorsport magazine.

The coveted statuette was awarded to Maserati for its victorious return to racing with the MC12. The Trident supercar has won at Oschersleben, Germany, and Zhuhai, China, in the FIA GT Championship this year.

There was also recognition for Andrea Palma as 'Most Promising Driver' for his overall victory in the 2004 Trofeo Vodafone Maserati Europa.

The traditional prize-giving ceremony was held on Saturday evening in Bologna's Teatro del Palazzo dei Congressi as part of the city's Motorshow programme of events.