12/06/2009
NEWS STORY
Ahead of the FIA's confirmation of the 2010 entry list, one of the hopefuls faces legal action after the Brabham family launches legal proceedings against the company aiming to use its name.
Last week we reported that the Brabham family was seeking legal advice after Formtech GmbH lodged its entry under the legendary Brabham name. The company, owned by German businessman Franz Hilmer, last year bought the assets of Super Aguri and has even signed up the Japanese outfit's Technical Director, Mark Preston.
In a statement announcing the legal action, the Brabham family wrote:
"Triple Formula One World Champion Sir Jack Brabham and the Brabham family today confirmed that it has been necessary to commence legal action against Brabham Grand Prix Limited following Formtech's application to enter the FIA Formula One World Championship in 2010 in that name.
"The Brabham family have made numerous approaches to Formtech with proposals to amicably resolve the situation," it continued. "In the absence of any response from the team, the family has been left with no alternative but to issue the relevant proceedings to protect the family name, irrespective of whether Formtech is granted an entry by the FIA on Friday 12 June."
Brabham cars last participated in an F1 Grand Prix in 1992, driven by Damon Hill and Eric van de Poele, however, by that time the team, now owned by Joachim Luhti, was a sad shadow of its former self and disappeared halfway through the season.