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Jones and Brabham honoured at Albert Park
Australia's two Formula One world champions, Sir Jack Brabham and Alan Jones, were honoured in a special ceremony at the Australian Grand Prix.
Bronze busts of Brabham, world champion in 1959, 1960 and 1966, and Jones, whose one title came in 1980, were unveiled by Dr. Denis Napthine, Victoria's state premier. The busts are the work of Melbourne artist Barbara McLean.
"It's a great honour," Brabham said. "It certainly looks the goods, and I am very proud to be here to see it."
"Jack was a great driver," said Sir Jackie Stewart, who was in attendance. "He was so cool, calm and collected. But he was a difficult man to pass. Every time you saw a good piece of road open up, Jack would close it. He was probably the best defender of his position I can ever remember.
"But there's nobody who has done what Jack Brabham's done: not only win the world championship but do it in a car of his own build."
Jones, like Sir Jack, enjoyed a reputation as one of the sport's toughest competitors but he was close to tears on seeing the sculpture. "Unbelievable," he said. "Totally out of left field. It's a huge honour.
"My father would be absolutely rapt. He was the guiding light for me: I grew up in that environment and since the time I was knee-high to a grasshopper I knew I was going to be a racing driver."
Looking at the sculpture he added: "I'm just sorry I don't look like this now."
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