Biting my nails with Jenson’s sister
Congratulations to Jenson Button – he deserved to win the World Championship in Brazil, and I feel he really worked hard for it in this race. I have never watched a race and felt so nervous before, and that’s because I was watching it with my dear friend Sam, Jenson’s sister, who I think was probably more nervous than him!
Her nerves were understandable when you think about what was at stake for her little brother in this Grand Prix. Jenson appeared so calm and professional in the BBC’s pre-race show, demonstrating what a true professional he is. We were at a bar in central London for the big event, watching the race on a huge plasma screen TV. At times we had to shush other people in the bar to hear what was going on, but in the end everyone understood why and were cheering Jenson on with us.
It was so nerve-wracking with Jenson starting from 14th on the grid. We watched excitedly as he pulled off some great overtaking moves and slowly added to his points. I had a newspaper cutting to help me work out all the championship permutations.
The first 10 minutes of the race were so exciting, with two crashes, a near punch-up and a fire in the pits. Both Sam and I were just praying that no one would get in Jenson’s way. This was also probably the first time that Sam had cheered on another Brit – Lewis Hamilton, who we were willing to overtake Jenson’s Brawn team-mate Rubens Barrichello. Friends were texting and calling to cheer on Jenson – the support was amazing.
The final laps were nail-biting and seemed to go on forever and we were really with Jenson in spirit. When he took the flag to bring the championship home there were tears of joy in our bar as well as in Brazil! For Sam there was also a degree of disbelief, as she slowly took in the fact that her brother had just fulfilled his lifelong dream.
The champagne was brought out and we toasted our new World Champion, wishing that we could be zapped out to Brazil to share the moment. It was really moving when the BBC played a film montage of all the past British champions, finally showing Jenson up there with all the greats. We can’t wait to have him back home in London now for another celebration.
Louisa graduated from London Guildhall University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications and audio-visual production. She previously worked in television production at advertising agencies J. Walter Thompson and M&C Saatchi and joined the editorial team at Motor Sport in January 2007. As well as being the marketing manager she is responsible for the content in the Desirables and Auctions pages. 
Andy:
October 21st, 2009 4:21pm
Brilliant, determined chamionship win…and it must be doubly satisfying to know that Flavio has to stomach it too!
Life can’t get much better for Jenson and John – World Champions and no mor Briatore!
See you in the Ship & Castle soon guys!
James:
October 30th, 2009 1:15pm
Wish i was there !!!!!!!
Grahame Burns:
October 31st, 2009 9:49pm
Congratulations to Jenson on a great year. I’m from Australia and didn’t catch the race, any idea how Mark Webber got on?