British motor racing star Jenson Button has emerged from the shadows of world champion Lewis Hamilton to win the first grand prix of the 2009 season.
Button - racing for the new Brawn team - underlined the shift in the balance of power between the UK's two Formula One drivers by reigning supreme in Australia after starting in pole position.
With many now tipping the "Frome Flyer" to become champion, it marked a renaissance for the driver, who made his debut with Williams nine years ago.
Hamilton finished in third after an impressive drive from 18th on the grid.
Speaking after his success, Button said: "Being in the front should be easy but it was not, I can tell you that. It was an amazing day."
Button was cheered to victory by Sir Richard Branson, who had jetted into Melbourne to announce details of a new sponsorship deal between his Virgin Group and Brawn GP.
Branson revealed that he may take over the naming rights and corporate identity of the team within weeks.
Brawn GP chief Nicky Fry hailed an "absolute fairytale", with the victory coming just three weeks after the team was formed from the ashes of the Honda team.
Mr Fry told BBC Sport: "It's just an absolute fairytale, I can't believe we actually managed to do it. It was just a great job."
