JENSON BUTTON FORMULA 1 WORLD CHAMPION

In a thrilling race, and one that can certainly be ranked amongst the drives of his life, Jenson Button secured the Formula 1 World Championship yesterday at Interlagos in Brazil.  Following a dismal qualifying he started 14th on the grid and through a series of committed overtaking manoeuvres and clever strategy by the Brawn GP team, Jenson worked his way up to 5th by the chequered flag.  His team mate, and Honorary BRDC Member Rubens Barrichello, who started from pole position following a stunning qualifying in the most trying of weather conditions, did not enjoy such good fortune.  Following some close battling with Kimi Raikkonen's Ferrari, Rubens sustained a puncture, and the resultant pitstop dropped him to eighth, which handed the Championship to Jenson, with one round still to run.

The race result itself should not be overlooked in the excitement about a second successive British Formula 1 Champion!  Mark Webber won a most commanding victory and was joined on the podium by Lewis Hamilton who secured 3rd place, which he described as a surprise result.

Brawn GP won a constructors championship in the first year of operation and the Club's congratulations go to the local team headed by Club Member Ross Brawn.