Report – Brawn GP experiences a historic day in F1

Brawn GP today entered into history. The team is certainly not inexperienced, which is paradoxical indeed for a new team, but it just achieved something this Sunday that hadn’t been accomplished since 1954: a one-two finish in its first official F1 Grand Prix.

Jenson Button drove the BGP001 to victory in the first race of the 2009 F1 season. The Briton started from pole position and led the race from start to finish. His teammate wasn’t far behind, as the Brazilian Rubens Barrichello finished in second place to achieve a one-two finish (luck included). A Brawn one-two for Brawn’s first Grand Prix: unforgettable for the team, which currently has both performance and luck on its side.

Jenson Button – 1st:

« It’s an incredible day! It’s nothing but a fairy tale and I want to thank everyone who believed in us and especially the family and team members who never gave up. One might think it was easy, but the race was very tough and I think we’re leaving Australia truly with what we deserve! This double win is a just reward for our hard work over the past few months. »

« We have a good car and we must continue like this. I can’t wait any longer, I would already like to be in Malaysia. »

Rubens Barrichello – 2nd:

Well, you could say I had quite an afternoon! I went through all the emotions but I’m really happy to have secured second place. It was really tough for me at the start of the race with that collision that cost me a few positions. I also had a collision that broke my wing; I thought the race was over but the car held up. It’s solid.

Actually, despite all that, I managed to stay in 4th position and in the end, I benefited from the accident in front of me between Vettel and Kubica. So you should never give up!

Congratulations to Jenson [Button] for this fantastic victory, and my sincerest thanks to the team for building us this car. This is the start of an exciting journey together.

Ross Brawn – Director

« We have worked extremely hard to secure a victory and seeing Button and Barrichello achieve a one-two finish in our first race is truly exceptional. It’s the reward for the last four months. »

« It’s a good start for the team, but ultimately the car wasn’t as perfect as that, and we want to do even better next time… victory is still our goal. »

« I wish to sincerely thank Norbert Haug and Mercedes-Benz who have supported us so much during the development of the race car. Thanks also to Virgin and Henri Lloyd for their trust and of course thanks to the Brackley factory, it’s exceptional! »