Brabham Automotive has signalled that it will compete in the 2021/22 World Endurance Championship, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans, with the Australian-made BT62.
The Adelaide-based manufacturer intends to enter the GTE class with a race car version of its BT62 track car which was launched in May last year.
According to Brabham Automotive, development for the program has already begun with the race team to be run in-house.
David Brabham, the company’s managing director and 2009 outright winner at Le Mans, said that the project was a long-term aim of his.
“Returning the Brabham name to Le Mans is something I have been working on for years, so it’s fantastic to make this announcement today,” he explained.
“Brabham Automotive only launched its first car, the BT62, in May 2018 so we have a long road to travel to earn the right to return to compete at Le Mans. That work starts now with a long-term racing commitment.
“We look forward to developing the BT62 and future products while building a world-class competitive race team around the leading engineering and manufacturing talent we have in the business.”
Pierre Fillon, President of race promoter the Automobile Club de l’Ouest, added, “At Le Mans, the legendary Brabham name instantly conjures up memories of an outstanding family success story.
“It all began in July 1967 at the only French Grand Prix to be held at the Bugatti Circuit, when three-time Formula One world champion Sir Jack Brabham took the honours in a car sporting the Brabham name.
“Sir Jack’s sons, Geoff and David, perpetuated the family tradition by winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1993 and 2009 respectively, both with Peugeot.
“For the Automobile Club de l’Ouest, the return of the Brabham name to endurance racing is therefore much more than symbolic. It demonstrates remarkable loyalty and an extraordinary competitive spirit.”
The Brabham BT62 Driver Development Programme which is available to owners of the car will in fact form part of the testing process, and even “provid(e) top level Pro-Am racing opportunities to owners.”
Brabham Automotive is also set to compete in lower level series ahead of its WEC tilt, with further details to be confirmed.
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