King’s Lynn racing driver Alex Brundle – son of former F1 driver and Sky F1 commentator Martin – got a surprise last-minute call at the weekend to drive the Brawn BGP 001 Grand Prix car that took Britain’s Jenson Button to the World Championship title in 2009.

The incredible opportunity came on the third day of four at the annual Goodwood Festival of Speed, held in the grounds of Goodwood House, West Sussex.

Alex Brundle, from King’s Lynn, drove Jenson Button's 2009 Formula One World Championship-winning Brawn-Mercedes BGP 001 Grand Prix car. Picture: Simon Hildrew
Alex Brundle, from King’s Lynn, drove Jenson Button’s 2009 Formula One World Championship-winning Brawn-Mercedes BGP 001 Grand Prix car. Picture: Simon Hildrew

Brundle had never even sat in the car before his run but quipped that Jenson Button’s seat just about fitted him!

Brundle was impressed with the car and how it performed, commenting that it ‘talks’ to you straight away. The sight of Brundle driving the car thrilled the crowds on one of the hottest days of the year so far, with the event attracting 200,000 spectators across the four days.

During the 2009 F1 season, Brawn Grand Prix drivers Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello scored a one-two finish in Australia on the team’s debut with Button taking a further five victories and Barrichello two, from the 17 races that season, with Button as world champion and Barrichello third. The team only lasted for that one year before being sold to Mercedes Grand Prix.

Brundle’s next racing appearance at Goodwood will be at the Goodwood Revival meeting on September 12-14. See www.goodwood.co.uk for tickets but be quick as they are selling fast.