Button dedicates F1 title to his Japanese girlfriend

Sao Paulo (Brazil), Oct.19 (ANI): New Formula One champion Jenson Button has dedicated his world championship victory to his Japanese girlfriend Jessica Michibata.

The Formula 1 ace had banned the lingerie model from going to Brazil with him so he could concentrate on snatching the title.

"I want to thank my family and Jessica. I love you, this is for you," The Sun quoted Button, 29, as saying.

A jubilant Button celebrated taking the Formula 1 crown yesterday y belting out an off-key version of Queen's hit "We are the Champions" as he crossed the finish line.

he British ace took both hands off the wheel, punched the air and screamed the lyrics: "We are the champions, my friends!"

He yelled into his helmet microphone: "We are world champions, world champions!" Then he burst into tears.

Formula 1 legend Sir Jackie Stewart led the tributes.

He said: "I couldn't be happier for Jenson. A big congratulations to him, he did everything he had to do today. It's 40 years since there's been a British champion back to back. I was that person. I took it over from Graham Hill, he's now taken it over from Lewis Hamilton. He must be really thrilled."

Lewis said: "I must say congratulations to Jenson. A great job. A great season."

The world championship victory was also acclaimed by fans and celebrities on the internet.

On Twitter TV host Phillip Schofield wrote: "On The Button!!!! Great World Champion drive today. Superb Wooooooooooo hooooooooooo!!"

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown said: "I want to send my warmest congratulations to Jenson Button for clinching the Formula 1 drivers' championship today in Brazil, on the same circuit that Lewis Hamilton won the drivers' championship last year. We can be proud that Jenson Button is the 10th British driver to win the title. His performances over the season with the new Brawn team have excited Formula 1 fans in Britain and across the world and we look forward to his continuing success in the seasons ahead."

Business Secretary Lord Mandelson said: "I congratulate both Jenson Button and the Brawn team. It is a fitting tribute to the Brawn team. UK motor sport contributes 3.6 billion pounds to the economy as well as provide highly-skilled engineering jobs." (ANI)