Brabham family takes action against F1 bid

Sir Jack Brabham and his family have followed through their threat to launch legal action after it emerged that a company aims to take their famous surname back to the formula one grid in 2010.

It was announced last week that a German automotive supply company, Formtech, now controls the Brabham Grand Prix Ltd moniker and filed an official team entry for next year.

Former triple world champion Brabham, an Australian who is now 83, founded the outfit in 1960 and it later raced under Bernie Ecclestone's stewardship.

But the Brabham family insisted it is "in no way involved" with Franz Hilmer's new Brabham Grand Prix outfit, and nor was it consulted about the plans.

In a new statement, the Brabham family confirmed that "it has been necessary to commence legal action against Brabham Grand Prix Limited" in order to "protect the family name".

The statement said Formtech did not respond to their proposals to amicably resolve the situation, and that the action will now proceed "irrespective" of whether the team is granted a spot on the FIA's 2010 entry list.

Jack Brabham's family added: "The Brabham name has always been the property of the family and it is sad that once again steps have to be taken to protect it."