Formula1: Martin Brundle To Compete Against Son, Alex
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May 15, 2008
Chelsea Reay
For one weekend only, ex-Formula 1 driver and current ITV F1 commentator Martin Brundle will return to professional motor racing – to compete against his son, Alex, in the Formula Palmer Audi Championship at Spa-Francorchamps this weekend.
Martin’s Formula Palmer Audi appearance will be his first major competitive outing since 2001. He will line up alongside FPA’s 21 regular drivers, including his son Alex, one of this season’s championship frontrunners. Alex currently lies fourth in the standings following his maiden FPA pole position and third podium finish this season at Brands Hatch two weeks ago.
Martin Brundle said: “Racing in the Formula Palmer Audi Championship this weekend is an early 49th birthday present to myself. Who would pass up the chance to race at Spa? It’s a great circuit and a unique opportunity for me to compete against my son.”
“It will be interesting to see how much speed I still have,” Martin concluded. “’Having seen some of the determined moves so far this season by the regular young hot shoes, I will have to be on my best form in traffic!”
Although Martin has greater knowledge of the Spa-Francorchamps circuit from his 12 years competing in Formula 1, Alex has the advantage in terms of raw pace. The two went head-to-head in an FPA car earlier this season in a four-way shootout with Formula Palmer Audi Series Director Jonathan Palmer and his son Jolyon at Bedford Autodrome. On that occasion, Alex emerged victorious – beating Martin by 0.3 seconds*.
Alex Brundle said: “This is a great chance to race against my Dad, as long as he doesn’t get in my way! My aim this season is to win the FPA Championship, so my main focus at Spa will be to score points. Having my father competing should be helpful, as he will be able to give me advice on the circuit and the handling of the car.”
FPA Series Director, Jonathan Palmer, is delighted that Martin is joining the grid this weekend: “I think it’s fantastic that Martin is having a go. Since stopping F1 racing he has kept testing various top level cars, mainly for his ITV F1 work, but I really admire Martin for proving his love of simply driving racing cars and being prepared to pit himself against the young chargers in FPA, all of whom are fighting to make F1.”
“No question he’s still very quick,” Palmer added. “It will be interesting to get feedback from someone who is clearly the most experienced and successful driver to ever race an FPA car!”
