Fans surprise Jos at Schiphol Airport

Published on 31 January 2006 by Thorsten Hendriks

After a 22 hour car and airplane journey, from Johannesburg via London, Jos arrived at Schiphol Airport this morning. In 'Arrivals' he had a nice surprise; his wife was waiting for him - dressed in the national colour orange - with a large bunch of flowers. She was not alone though: about 30 fans took the effort to go to the airport and welcome him after his victory in the A1GP South Africa in Durban last weekend.

Fans dressed in orange at Schiphol Airport. Jos (left) is enjoying the moment. On the right at the back Sophie Verstappen.
Somewhat overcome Jos was enjoying it, very tired from last weekend's race in Durban. On top of that he had some problems on the return journey. "I nearly was not able to return last night. I was checked in with an incorrect name. Luckily I got it sorted in time. The reception here is fantastic. I didn't have a clue. Sophie didn't tell me anything, I didn't even know she would be here." Jos took some time to sign autographs and to have his photograph taken with the fans.


Jos very happy when he arrives back in The Netherlands.

Jos was the driver that made the whole weekend in South Africa, so much is true. The sprintrace did finish in a deception when he tried to overtake Team France in the last lap and spun. A certain second place went up in smoke and he ended up 16th on the grid for the feature race. What he did in this race would probably be one of the highlights of A1GP ever; in a street circuit starting from 16th and then winning the race with a similar overtaking action as in the sprintrace. Just this time the victim was Neel Jani from Switzerland. Jos has had a lot of reactions by telephone, sms, etc. It just didn't stop a lot of press, acquintances and people from the motorsport world. I must have made an impression this weekend."


Sophie is happy Jos is home again, but also with his victory!

In about one and a half week it is the A1GP of Indonesia. "I am going to relax for a bit. Then I'll go karting or pocket bike racing with Max. I absolute love it. I will have some time to enjoy this victory but next week around this time I will be in the plane to Indonesia. I will have to focus on the next race by then. This victory just asks for more, don't you agree?"

More photographs of Jos's arrival at Schiphol can be found in the fanzone.

Thorsten Hendriks