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Alan JonesAustralian racing driver, Formula 1 World Champion
Date of Birth: 02.11.1946
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Content:
Childhood and Education
Alan Jones was born in Melbourne, Australia, to a family with a strong racing tradition. His father, Stan Jones, was a renowned Australian race car driver, and young Alan aspired to follow in his father's footsteps. He attended Xavier College in Victoria before embarking on his racing career.
Early Career
In 1967, Jones set off for Europe, determined to make a name for himself in motor racing. He spent six years competing in Formula 3 without achieving significant success. However, in 1974, he finally broke into Formula Atlantic, and his impressive performances caught the attention of Hesketh Racing, who offered him a chance to enter Formula 1.
Formula 1 Debut
Jones made his Formula 1 debut at the infamous 1975 Spanish Grand Prix, held on the treacherous Montjuïc circuit. The race was marred by Rolf Stommelen's accident, which claimed the lives of five spectators, and remains one of the deadliest in Formula 1 history. Hesketh withdrew after four races, but Jones was picked up by Graham Hill's team as a replacement for the injured Stommelen. He achieved a best finish of fifth at the Nürburgring.
Full-Time Racing
In 1976, Jones secured a full-time seat with Team Surtees. He gained notoriety for driving a car emblazoned with the Durex logo, which helped him score points in several races, including a fourth-place finish in Japan. However, Jones's relationship with Surtees soured after the season, and he moved to Shadow Racing in America as a replacement for Tom Pryce, who had been killed in a gruesome accident at the South African Grand Prix.
Breakthrough Victory
Jones's career took a major turn at the 1976 Austrian Grand Prix. He outperformed expectations and claimed a sensational victory, becoming the first Australian to win a Formula 1 race.