Stirling Moss receives knighthood

Motor racing legend Stirling Moss has received his knighthood in recognition of his status as one of Britain's most beloved sportsmen.

Moss, 70, who often refers to himself as the "best racer never to have won a Formula One drivers' title," was knighted by Prince Charles, standing in for the Queen who is on an official visit to Austrailia.

Moss finished No. 2 in the drivers' standings four times - three times behind his close friend Juan Manuel Fangio of Argentina.

Moss, who won 16 Grand Prix races, and retired from the sport in 1961 as F1's highest paid driver, having earned about £30,000 a year.

Michael Schumacher, the highest paid driver of today's generation, earns about £25m.

As Moss drove his Mercedes away from Buckingham Palace after the ceremony, he was stopped by a palace guard who joked: "Who do you thing your are? Stirling Moss?"

Moss smiled and replied.

"Sir Stirling Moss, actually."