Future of Brabham Automotive in doubt after split

The future of Australian supercar maker Brabham Automotive is under a major cloud after its split with a major investor.

Brabham Group Limited and Fusion Capital have ended their six-year collaboration which included the creations of the BT62 and BT63 supercars.

The cars were seen flying around tracks such as Mount Panorama and Phillip Island where it set lap records, while the famous name also competed in the GT2 European Series where High Class Racing scored three podiums and a win at Misano.

A statement from Brabham described the decision was made “after careful consideration and what was in the best interests of all parties and the brand.”

David Brabham in Brabham Automotive kit at Goodwood last year. Photo by LAT Images

Director of Brabham Group Limited David Brabham thanked those who made the project happen over the previous six years.

“While it is regrettable that our relationship with Fusion Capital has come to an end, this collaboration helped further evolve ‘Brabham’ to a new and exciting future,” he said.

“With the brand licence for Automotive ended, it opens the doors for future business ventures in the Motorsport, Automotive and Heritage sectors.

“I would personally like to thank everyone who contributed and supported this project over the years.”

But with Fusion Capital the majority shareholder, sole funder and operator of the Brabham project, the carmaker’s future is now up in the air.

The Brabham BT62 flying around Phillip Island.

Chairman of Fusion Capital Mat Fitch said the “strategic direction of both groups did not align” which resulted in the split.

“Ultimately the strategic direction of both groups did not align – that happens,” he said in a statement.

“My family and I have invested in automotive and manufacturing for over 40 years and we will continue to do so with what we have created in the last six years.

“Powertrains are evolving and the opportunity to challenge the mainstream OEMs has never been greater.

“What we have created provides the perfect platform for the future.”

The Brabham BT62 at the 2019 Adelaide Motorsport Festival – Photo: InSyde Media

Brabham Automotive launched in May 2018 and has been based in Adelaide with the BT62 powered by a 5.4L Ford V8 being revealed the following year.

In 2019 Luke Youlden made headlines by breaking an unofficial Mount Panorama lap record for a non single seater with an eye-popping 1:58.679.

In 2021 Brabham entered the GT2 European Series with the new BT63 GT2 car.

The highpoint was undoubtedly victory at Misano at the hands of Anders Fjordbach and Kevin Weeda for High Class Racing.

The Brabham name is one of the famous in Australian motorsport thanks to the feats of Sir Jack Brabham, who won the Formula 1 world championship three times in 1959, 1960 and 1966.

His last saw him the become the first and still only driver to win the title in a car bearing his own name.

Image: Carter Tyres Motorsport

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