When the year ends in 0, many things happen. A new decade starts, Uruguay do well at the World Cup and an Australian wins the F1 World Title?
Jack Brabham (Cooper) and Alan Jones (Williams) won these two titles. In addition, there was no Australian entry in 1950 or 2000, and no-one near the sharp end in 1970 & 1990.
Brabham's second title in 1960 was won with a minimum of fuss and 2 races early from Kiwi team-mate Bruce McLaren. Brabham retired from the first two races but won 5 races on the spin to take the title when his run was broken by the British teams' boycott of the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, which resulted in a Ferrari 1-2-3.
Jones also took his title in 1980 a race early, having defeated Nelson Piquet. Jones won 5 races which remained as part of the Championship, and an additional one in Jarama which was declared non-Championship after a Ferrari/Alfa/Renault boycott*. 3 second places helped secure Jones the crown from the 3 win and 2 second-placed efforts of (ironically enough) Brabham's Piquet.
So now it is Mark Webber hoping to join this club, and with 4 wins he has looked like he has the potential. However, he still has to see off both McLarens, his own team mate and a dangerous Spanish wildcard before we can give the xxx0 rule consideration in our sporting axioms. (Good luck this year, Spurs fans!)
*Quick guide: If Ferrari boycott non-Championship, if Ferrari race its Championship!
Jack Brabham (Cooper) and Alan Jones (Williams) won these two titles. In addition, there was no Australian entry in 1950 or 2000, and no-one near the sharp end in 1970 & 1990.
Brabham's second title in 1960 was won with a minimum of fuss and 2 races early from Kiwi team-mate Bruce McLaren. Brabham retired from the first two races but won 5 races on the spin to take the title when his run was broken by the British teams' boycott of the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, which resulted in a Ferrari 1-2-3.
Jones also took his title in 1980 a race early, having defeated Nelson Piquet. Jones won 5 races which remained as part of the Championship, and an additional one in Jarama which was declared non-Championship after a Ferrari/Alfa/Renault boycott*. 3 second places helped secure Jones the crown from the 3 win and 2 second-placed efforts of (ironically enough) Brabham's Piquet.
So now it is Mark Webber hoping to join this club, and with 4 wins he has looked like he has the potential. However, he still has to see off both McLarens, his own team mate and a dangerous Spanish wildcard before we can give the xxx0 rule consideration in our sporting axioms. (Good luck this year, Spurs fans!)
*Quick guide: If Ferrari boycott non-Championship, if Ferrari race its Championship!
