`Lucky` Branson Finds Instant Success In F1

Branson`s Virgin Group signed a sponsorship deal with the team just hours before he flew out to watch the opening race of the season.

British entrepreneur Richard Branson was astonished at his good fortune after watching Formula One newcomers Brawn GP run away with Sunday's Australian Grand Prix.

Branson's Virgin Group signed a sponsorship deal with the team just hours before he flew out to Australia to watch the opening race of the season.

It had been 55 years since a team had finished first and second in their debut Grand Prix but Brawn were able to do just that in devastating fashion.

Britain's Jenson Button led from start to finish to take the chequered flag ahead of his Brazilian team mate Rubens Barrichello, who recovered from a slow start to get on the podium.

"What can I say other than I'm just a lucky bastard," Branson told reporters.

"Occasionally in life you get those situations which are too good to be true and this was one such situation."

Branson said Sunday's race had tempted him to consider an even bigger role in Formula One.

He has already said he wants to lead a 'clean fuel' revolution in the sport and hinted he could possibly take over the naming rights of Brawn GP.

"Watch this space. We'll see how it goes," he said.