Media Release: Sam Brabham Set For MRF Formula 2000 Debut In Dehli

Banbury (UK) – Monday 21 October 2013; Third generation driver, Sam Brabham will continue his impressive maiden single-seater season by contesting the MRF Challenge 2013 with J A Motorsport. The Banbury (UK) domiciled 19 year-old will make his MRF Formula 2000 Series debut on the Buddh International Circuit, Dehli, this weekend, as the opening rounds support the Formula One Indian Grand Prix.

Brabham heads to India off the back of an outstanding first year competing in the Dunlop MSA Formula Ford Championship of Great Britain, just five years after he started karting. A tally of six outright podiums, six class victories and 21 Scholarship podiums earned Brabham fourth in the title fight and Scholarship runner-up despite missing the opening season rounds.

Now the University of Northampton student will swap his 1.6 litre Formula Ford EcoBoost 200 for the 2-litre MRF Formula 2000 car, giving him another valuable learning experience in his so-far short racing career.

Built by Jayem Automotives Ltd, designed by Dallara and powered by the Renault-Sport 210bhp 2- litre 4-cylinder engine, the MRF Formula 2000 offers a top speed of 240kmph and boasts performance on par with current international F3 machinery.

Brabham will join an 18-19 strong grid of drivers from across the globe competing in the 14 races staged across four rounds. Starting with the double-header battle around the 5.14km Hermann Tilke-designed Buddh International Circuit, the second round will support the FIA World Endurance Championship in Bahrain in December while the final season showdown will take place in Chennai in February 2014.

The son of Le Mans 24 Hours winner and double American Le Mans Series Champion David, Sam has already proved himself capable of quickly adapting to new tracks and equipment. Brabham opened his first Formula Ford campaign with a second place and fastest lap in the Scholarship class just sixth months ago, and he’s sure to take the step up to MRF Formula 2000 in his stride.

Brabham commented: “I had a great debut season in Formula Ford and I am excited to be joining the MRF Challenge. It has always been a dream of mine to support the Formula One World Championship and now that dream is going to be a reality. It is a fantastic opportunity.

“The F2000 is a step up from the Formula Ford that I have been racing this year, as it’s more similar to a Formula 3 car, but I am looking forward to the challenges that will bring. Naturally I’ve got to learn the car and the circuits, but I’m sure I’ll settle in quickly and start scoring some good results. It’s going to be a great experience.”

Brabham will take his first chance to get to grips with the car and circuit in practice at 12.00 (local time) on Friday 25 October, prior to mounting his qualifying effort at 16.00. The first round of the MRF Challenge will take place at 15.30 on Saturday, with the second 10-lap race of the weekend at 11.00 on Sunday, ahead of the Formula One Indian Grand Prix at 15.00.

-Ends-

Brabham Media Office:

Emma Spearing: +44(0)7736 341828 | media@brabham.co.uk

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