Richard Branson was born under a lucky star, or so he said on the grid at Albert Park just half an hour before the drivers in his newly sponsored team started a race they would go on to finish on the top two steps of the rostrum, proving just how right he was.

After agreeing to sponsor the Brawn GP team for 250,000 per race, Branson’s investment got off to a brilliant start as he joined in the celebrations after Jenson Button dominated from start to finish. Adorned with his Virgin logos, Button gave Branson all the publicity he could have hoped for and more by becoming the first time in 55 years to claim a one two finish on their debut.

"What can I say other than I'm just a lucky bastard," Branson said. "Occasionally in life you get those situations which are too good to be true and this was one such situation."

Further announcements from Branson and Brawn are expected in the coming weeks.