Brabham BT62 flies the Australian flag at Le Mans

By: Alex Affat, Unique Cars magazine

Date: 16.06.2018

Australia’s own hypercar on display at Le Mans, is another Aussie assault to come?

The recently revealed Brabham BT62 is currently on display at the Circuit de la Sarthe paddock, ahead of this weekend’s 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Manufactured in Adelaide, and costing $1.8million, the Brabham BT62 marks the rebirth of the Brabham name, and carries on the legacy of famed Sir Jack Brabham; Australia’s first F1 World Champion, and to this day, the only individual to win both the Drivers’ Championship and the Constructors’ Championship… simultaneously.

The BT62 features a Brabham-built 5.4lt V8 engine capable of 522kW and 667Nm and has a dry weight of just 972kg.

Debuting in Green and Gold livery, the car at Le Mans is white with green and gold accents, interestingly, also bearing race numbers and different centre-lock wheels shod with Michelin slicks.

Also in attendance at Le Mans is David Brabham, son of Jack, and former Le Mans 24 winner.

While the car might initially be thought to simply be on display for would-be customers, its unique race livery and Michelin slicks may hint at another intended future for the Brabham brand.

While the BT62 standard trim is little more than a track-only toy, the FIA Motorsport Council recently met in Macau to discuss changes to various motorsport disciplines.

WEC interestingly, is expected to open up a sub-category allowing "freedom of design for brands based on a ‘Hypercar’ concept".

Does Brabham have true-motorsport hopes for its new BT62?

Should the FIA announce these new regulations for WEC, opening the door for other cars such as the Aston Martin Valkyrie, Mercedes-AMG Project One and McLaren Senna – we may soon see the Brabham name return to the racetrack once more.

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