Team USA Scholarship winner and 2012 USF2000 champion Matthew Brabham has recorded a pair of fifth-place finishes in the opening rounds of the Formula Renault BARC Winter Series at the Brands Hatch Grand Prix circuit.
After a consistent run in the first race, the 18-year-old slipped off the road in Race 2, dropping to 19th. A courageous fightback in wet conditions saw him take another fifth place finish as he continues to come to grips with the new class.
“I learned a lot about passing in the wet. It was a fun race, I really enjoyed coming back through the field,” he said.
“It was a shame on the first lap, I slid to the outside and just touched wheels and spun in Graham Hill bend. It took a while to get the car started again so I lost a lot of time. The car was really quick in the wet though, and I caught up within a few laps.
“I’m still happy despite the first lap contact and very pleased to get back to fifth place.”
The drive also impressed his grandfather Sir Jack Brabham, who congratulated his protege.
“It sounds like Matthew did really well, I know first-hand how difficult Brands Hatch can be in the wet,” the three-time world champion said.
“So to come through the field like that is fantastic. I have no doubt that my grandson has the talent to go a long way in this sport if he gets the support needed to give him the opportunity.”
Brabham will fly back to America for a two week break before returning to England for the last race of the Formula Renault BARC Winter Series with Michelin, to be held at Rockingham on November 10/11.
