Alan Jones, the 1980 Formula One world champion, has died aged 80. Jones won 12 F1 grands prix across his career and became just the second Australian, after Sir Jack Brabham, to be crowned world champion when he claimed the title with Williams in 1980. Born in Melbourne, Jones moved to Europe in 1970 to chase his motor racing dream and joined Formula 3 outfit GRD in 1973 before finally breaking through for a F1 debut with Hesketh in 1975.
He claimed his first F1 win in the Austrian GP in 1977 when driving for the Shadow team before he joined Williams in 1978 and found greater success behind the wheel. Jones won five grands prix in 1980 – in Argentina, France, Britain, Canada and the United States – and finished on the podium five more times to claim the world title with one race remaining. He retired from racing in 1986 and remains the last Australian to be crowned F1 world champion.
Jones’s wife, Amanda Butler-Davis, released a statement through Motorsport Australia on Thursday. Through his achievements, passion and unmistakable character, both on and off the track, Alan left an enduring mark on the sport both nationally and across the globe. He was incredibly fortunate to have so many wonderful people around him.” Jones built a successful TV career as a motorsport commentator and was renowned for his straight-talking analysis.
He is a member of the Sport Australia Hall Of Fame and was made an MBE. Jones and his father Stan are among only three father-sons to have won the Australian Grand Prix. In a tribute, the Australian Grand Prix said Jones “holds a special place in the history of our sport”.
He is survived by Amanda and six children – Christian, Amber, Zara, Jack, Camilla and Emma.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
