More than 200 jobs are to go at the Brawn GP base in Brackley, it emerged today.

The news came hours after Formula 1 drivers Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello scored a one-two victory in the Australian Grand Prix for a team that was almost on the scrapheap four months ago when Honda pulled out.

Earlier this month, a management buy-out of Honda Racing led by Ross Brawn saved the team and the bulk of the jobs at the team’s factory at Brackley.

Brawn GP chief executive Nick Fry today confirmed that 230 are to go of the 700, cutting the workforce to the levels last seen four years ago when they ran under the guise of BAR.

The news followed champagne celebrations at the team’s hospitality area at the Albert Park circuit in Melbourne, Australia.

Mr Brawn said: “We have worked incredibly hard for this victory today.

“To see the dedication, commitment and sheer hard work come to fruition, with Jenson and Rubens bringing home a one-two finish for the team at the first race of the season, is immensely rewarding.

“After everything our team has been through over the past four months, this is quite simply a sensational result.”

Mr Brawn said the team had enjoyed a “wonderful weekend”, which started on Saturday when Virgin were announced as a major sponsor, courtesy of the backing of Kidlington-based Sir Richard Branson.