Jonathan Jones

The annual speed boat races in Cardigan Bay inspired Jonathan Jones to not just have a go, but eventually to conquer the world. The Cardigan teenager who started racing in a 12-foot boat with a 25 horsepower engine boy went on to became the World Formula 1 Powerboat champion on four occasions.

He made his big breakthrough in 1979 when he won the Formula Four World Championship at Bristol Dock. He took the British title in 1981 before moving up into Formula One. In 1985, at the age of 22, he became the F1 World Champion for the first time – a feat he was to repeat in 1989, 1991 and 1998. He also finished second third and fourth on a number of occasion. He ended with 14 race wins and 27 podium finishes.

His hat-trick in 1991 came against all the odds. A horrific crash at the Hungarian Grand Prix saw him suffer a compound leg fracture which required a metal plate and 18 pins to repair it. He missed a number of races, but returned to take the title by a single point from Michael Werner. His 2-stroke engine catamaran accelerates to 60 mph in under 2 seconds and pulls cornering G forces over double that of Fl cars. With 400 bhp, Jonathan’s Speedboat has a top speed of around 140 mph.

He became a boat-builder and commentator after retiring as a driver. In 1997, Welsh Motoring Writers awarded him the Tom Pryce Trophy in recognition of his outstanding achievements over the years in the premier Formula 1 class of powerboat racing. In 2018, a commemorative blue plaque was unveiled at Prince Charles Quay on the banks of the River Teifi in honour of Cardigan’s most famous sporting son.

Jonathan Jones (Powerboat Driver) Born in Cardigan.