Frome’s very own Formula 1 world champion, Jenson Button, has set the local community buzzing after clinching the world title in Brazil.
The Frome Flyer put in a career-defining performance in the Brazil Grand Prix on Sunday 18th October, to clinch the world title – to the absolute delight of old school friends, teachers, civic leaders, and supporters in Frome who have been following his progress since he burst onto the motor racing scene in 2000.
Jenson was crowned the 2009 World Drivers’ Champion and his success helped his team, Brawn GP, win the World Constructors’ Championship in only their first season.
Last week, Jenson arrived back in Britain where he was met with a hero’s welcome from fans. He told the waiting press, “I’ve spent 21 years racing with this goal in mind, which I have now managed to achieve.
“Every morning I wake up, until next season, I’m going to have a smile on my face. I’ve had a difficult time of it in the past. It’s about staying strong in the difficult times. You need good people around you to keep you positive and keep your feet on the ground. I’ve made mistakes along the way but I’ve put them right and I think people appreciate that.”
Frome Town Council is considering honouring Jenson in a very special way by making him an honorary freeman of the town.
Mayor of Frome, cllr Damon Hooton held unreserved praise for Jenson. He said, “We knew Jenson could do it. Ever since he scored his momentous maiden Grand Prix win in Hungary in 2006 we knew it was just a matter of time. He obviously had the talent and now that has been combined with a world beating car, he is just unstoppable.
“The achievements of Frome people should be celebrated. Their success brings success to the town in so many ways. Jenson is a great role model. He has achieved something a lot of young people would love to aspire to. We just hope he will be able to come back to Frome to celebrate with us.”
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