NEWS AND EVENTS
London launch gets the motorsport world buzzing
Brabham lives again; Donington Festival and Tour Auto; new Porsche 911 GT3 RS driven
BRABHAM AUTOMOTIVE has launched a million-pound track-focused car as it embarks on an ambitious plan that should see the motorsport dynasty racing at Le Mans in 2020 and potentially launching a road car. There is a very real prospect that the entry at La Sarthe could be piloted by an allBrabham team comprising Le Mans winner David Brabham – who will then be 54 – plus his son Sam and nephew Matthew.
There is no date set for the road car, but it would be designed and built by the Adelaide team that brought the new BT62 to fruition. One of the most remarkable things about that car’s development was how it was kept under wraps until the launch at the Australian High Commission in London on 2 May.
The glittering event coincided with the 70th anniversary of Brabham and the 100th of the High Commission and showcased a host of cars ranging from ‘Black’ Jack Brabham’s Midget Racer to his BT19, as well as cars from the F1 team’s post Brabham era. Guests included a welter of race drivers such as John Watson, Derek Bell, Martin Brundle, Mark Blundell, Derek Warwick and Karun Chandhok, while there were video messages of support from Damon Hill, Jean Todt, Jackie Stewart and, best of all, 93-year-old Ron Tauranac, delighted that the new car would retain the T from his name in its own.
Much of the development driving was done at Australian tracks last year by David and Sam Brabham, with Melbourne a favourite for outright pace. Powered by a Brabham-badged naturally aspirated 5.4-litre engine that gives it something in the region of 700bhp, the carbonfibre and Kevlar BT62 weighs in at under a tonne.
Brabham Automotive’s director of technology and engineering, Paul Birch, said: ‘Our first car takes Brabham into an exciting new era, while honouring and upholding the marque’s glorious past. Using contemporary materials, processes and technologies, and following a rigorous twoyear programme, the resulting BT62 is a car that demands total engagement and commitment from its driver, delivering immense reward and satisfaction.’
Precisely 70 examples will be built to order, the figure representing the longevity of the company, and the first 35 will celebrate the team’s Grand Prix victories. There are hopes that, once bought, the BT62s may form their own race series, but no concrete
plans as yet. Plus, any sports racer or road car will be a development of the BT62 and that is when this project will start to dovetail with the crowdfunded Project Brabham of a couple of years ago. Ownership of a BT62 will entitle people to a place on Brabham’s Driver Development Programme.
David Brabham welcomed inevitable comparisons with McLaren, saying: ‘I have nothing but admiration for their business and brand. I have previous experience of working with McLaren, being involved with the development and racing of the F1, so I welcome such a comparison and would love to achieve what McLaren has. For us it’s about being brave and believing in what we are doing and focusing on that. Other people can make comparisons, not us.’
‘FOR US IT’S ABOUT BEING BRAVE AND BELIEVING IN WHAT WE ARE DOING. OTHERS CAN MAKE COMPARISONS’