FIA President Jean Todt presented IFRC secretary general Jagan Chapagain with the €1.94 million raised in a charity auction ©FIA

International Automobile Federation (FIA) President Jean Todt presented International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) secretary general Jagan Chapagain with the €1.94 million (£1.76 million/$2.2 million) raised in a charity auction.

Funds were raised through a charity auction to support the IFRC's global coronavirus response. 

Held alongside classic car auction company RM Sotheby, the auction took place from June 15 to 22 under the banner #RaceAgainstCovid, raising €1 million (£910,000/$1.16 million) in sales of memorabilia from famous motorsport drivers.  

The FIA Foundation then matched the total from the charity auction.

"I am delighted to give a cheque for €1.94 million raised by the #RaceAgainstCovid online charity auction to benefit the IFRC’s global COVID-19 response - it is a substantial achievement," said Todt. 

"Thanks to all those who made it possible. 

"In these difficult times, health, mobility and sport must walk together."

FIA and IFRC have already enjoyed a six-year partnership that focuses on improving global road safety.

The
The "Eau Rouge" bronze sculpture was one of the items sold at the charity auction ©Paul Oz

"The generosity of the FIA Foundation, RM Sotheby and online auction donors is a true gesture of solidarity and support for people who are affected by the COVID-19 pandemic," Chapagain said.

"IFRC is proud of its long-standing partnership with FIA which brings together the world’s largest humanitarian and motor sport networks to help the most vulnerable people access life-saving information, care and services during this pandemic."

One of the top sales at the auction was the McLaren MP4-24 show car, donated by McLaren, which was used to promote the constructor's 2009 season car.

It was raced by Finnish driver Heikki Kovalainen and reigning world champion Lewis Hamilton that year, and sold for £66,000 ($84,000/€72,500). 

Other items to sell include the "Eau Rouge" bronze sculpture by Paul Oz, named after the famous elevated turns at the start of the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa.

It depicts the late Brazilian driver Ayrton Senna at a 60 per cent scale and is one of only 41 made in the world, representing the 41 wins in his Formula One career.