Zoom Brundle made 165 Grand Prix starts

Former Formula One driver turned commentator Martin Brundle is taking the unusual step in competing this weekend in Formula Palmer Audi. Brundle, who competed at the highest level between 1984 and 1996, joins the series at Spa Francorchamps where he will go against the young guns as well as his son Alex.

"This is an early 49th birthday present to myself," said Brundle. "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," Brundle added.

Series Director Jonathan Palmer – former team-mate to Brundle at Tyrrell - is delighted to have Brundle on the grid. "I think its fantastic that Martin is having a go," he said. "Since stopping F1 racing he has kept testing 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," Palmer added. "It will be interesting to get feedback from someone who is clearly the most experienced and successful driver to ever race an FPA car."

E.A. © CAPSIS International