Brabham Announces GTE-Pro Program for 2021-22

Brabham Automotive will return to international sports car racing, having announced Wednesday a GTE-Pro effort targeted for the 2021-22 FIA World Endurance Championship season.

The Adelaide-based automotive manufacturer, which last year launched the record-breaking BT62 track car, has committed to the creation of a factory team and multi-year program, with development work already underway.

The entry will be run and funded in-house by the team, commercial partners and sponsors.

“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,” said Brabham Automotive managing director David Brabham.

“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.”

An extensive testing schedule aimed at developing the BT62 has been underway for “a number of months” according to the manufacturer. 

“For the Automobile Club de l’Ouest, the return of the Brabham name to endurance racing is therefore much more than symbolic,” said ACO President Pierre Fillon.

“It demonstrates remarkable loyalty and an extraordinary competitive spirit.”

More details on the program, personnel and the GTE vehicle that will eventually be homologated has yet to be released.

It’s understood, however, that the car will be based on the BT62 chassis.

“Brabham Automotive is a racing brand so since inception we’ve always had competitive motorsport in mind,” said Brabham Automotive commercial director Dan Marks.

“Our plan to go on the Journey Back to Le Mans is a statement of intent that Brabham Automotive is back and here to stay.

“In the BT62, we have already built an outstanding, unrestricted track car now with a road legal option.

“We will develop this car to make its mark in motor racing, along with new vehicles. Today is great news for us and will help put the Australian car industry back on the world stage.”