Coloni Overjoyed with Bruni's Win

"It's brilliant to see the team performing like this," Coloni noted happily after the race, "and Gimmi ran such an intelligent and mature race ­ it was a credit to him and to all of the team who all worked fantastically."

Coloni was the first person to give Bruni a race car to drive after seeing him in karts at the age of sixteen in their home country of Italy, and the pair have worked on and off together ever since.

The pair often refer jokingly to each other as little brother and big brother, and the affection between the pair is obvious.

During the celebrations, Coloni's father, former Coloni Formula One boss Enzo, called to offer his congratulations, prompting the tears.

"I'm so pleased for Gimmi," he continued, "because I've been running Gimmi since he was sixteen years old, I've seen him grow up and watched his talent get bigger and bigger, and I think this win will give him the wings to soar now."