What's all this about?

Oh, nothing much. Just a new Brabham track-day car.

Brabham?! As in, the old F1 outfit?

The very same. Under the auspices of David Brabham, a multiple Le Mans winner and son of four-time F1 world champion Sir Jack Brabham, the new company, Brabham Automotive, is celebrating seven decades of the famous motorsport name with a shock supercar.

What's it called?

The Brabham BT62. Just 70 will be built, with the first 35 in special liveries and paying tribute to each of Sir Jack's 35 F1 victories. Made from carbon fibre and featuring an aggressive aero kit that can generate a whopping 1,200kg of downforce, the BT62 is all about (very rich types) going quickly on a circuit; it also features six-piston callipers gripping carbon brake discs all round and a set of Michelin race-spec slick tyres. Oh, and then there's the small matter of the engine.

Go on, please do enlighten me.

It's a mid-mounted 5.4-litre naturally aspirated V8 of Brabham's own design, apparently, driving the rear wheels through a race-spec gearbox. Powering just 972kg of car are some colossal outputs - namely, 710hp and 667Nm, enough for a frightening power-to-weight ratio of 730hp-per-tonne. Rapid, this thing will undoubtedly be.

And expensive, no doubt?

Yes, each BT62 will cost a nice, round £1 million plus local taxes and deliveries are expected to commence later this year. The lucky few getting to own an example of this surprising supercar will join the Brabham driver development programme, in order that they don't stick their prized new possession into the nearest tyre wall at the earliest possible opportunity.

Where will Brabham be based?

Reflecting the Anglo-Australian history of the Brabham family, the cars themselves will be built in a 15,000sq ft facility in Melbourne, but the head offices for the European, US and Middle Eastern markets will be right here, in the UK. Hence, the BT62 was unveiled in London by David Brabham... at Australia House, of course.

Is this just going to be a one-off?

Apparently not. Brabham Automotive says it has a 'long-term plan in place and a phased product development programme already under way' - and the ultimate goal is to once again see a Brabham competing at the highest levels of international motorsport, namely, the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Has David got anything to say on the matter?

Indeed he has. The managing director and driving force of the modern-day Brabham Automotive said: "It's with great pride that I honour and continue my father's legacy in revealing the next chapter in the evolving Brabham story. The team we have in place, and the vision it shares, provides a solid platform for Brabham Automotive to execute its long-term business strategy. Our first step to deliver on that strategy is the Brabham BT62, a car truly worthy of carrying the iconic Brabham name."

Matt Robinson - 3 May 2018