Martin Brundle to race in Formula Palmer Audi at Spa

The Formula Palmer Audi Championship welcomes a new driver to the grid for this weekend's races at Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium - former Formula 1 driver Martin Brundle!

For one weekend only, Martin competes in FPA against the championship's 21 regular competitors - including his son Alex, who currently lies fourth in the standings.

"This is an early 49th birthday present to myself," said Martin. "Who would pass up the chance to race at Spa? It's a great circuit and a unique opportunity for me to race against my son.

"I haven't raced professionally since 2001, so competing in the Formula Palmer Audi Championship will be an interesting opportunity to see what speed I have. If the weather is dry I'll be on the pace, but I haven't driven an FPA car in the wet before.

"The regular FPA drivers have good racecraft. Having seen some of their manoeuvres this season, I will have to have my wits about me!"

Martin and Alex, from Kings Lynn, Norfolk, went head to head in an FPA car earlier this season in a four-way shootout with FPA Series Director Jonathan Palmer and his son Jolyon at Bedford Autodrome.

"I may be in fourth position in the championship, but I'm only a few points off the leader," said 17-year-old Alex. "I'm looking forward to racing against my Dad but it's not going to distract me from the job in hand. My aim this season is to win the title, so I will be focussing on scoring points."

"Actually, having my father competing should be helpful - as long as he doesn't get in my way! 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 tested 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. It will be interesting to get feedback from someone who is clearly the most experienced and successful driver to ever race an FPA car!"

With 12 years racing in Formula 1 to his name, Martin has a great deal of experience around the famous Spa-Francorchamps Grand Prix circuit.