Minda Motorsport

CAMS Rising Star drivers Matthew Brabham, Jack Le Brocq and Garry Jacobson will compete in Round 7 of the Genuine Ford Parts Australian Formula Ford Championship at Symmons Plains this
weekend with one eye on the Formula One action in Abu Dhabi.

On Sunday night, the trio will watch as the Australian Motor Sport Foundation’s Patron Mark Webber attempts to become the first Australian to win the Formula 1 World Championship in 30 years.

Webber enters the deciding round second in points, eight behind Scuderia Ferrari driver Fernando Alonso, and seven ahead of his Red Bull Racing team-mate Sebastian Vettel.

Through his role as AMSF Patron, Webber has assisted the Rising Star drivers by making appearances at AMSF functions and donating race apparel for auction, as well as providing a constant source of inspiration to Australia’s next wave of motor racing champions.

Matthew Brabham, whose grandfather Jack won the World Championship three times between 1959 and 1966, was born in 1994 – the year that Webber had his debut season in Australian Formula Ford.

While the Gold Coaster has grown up with plenty of motor racing heritage within his own home, he has also looked upon Webber for inspiration throughout his young career.

"Mark Webber is a fantastic ambassador for Australian motorsport,” said Brabham.

“It’s been great to see him have such success this year, and I will absolutely be cheering for him on Sunday night.

“During the weekend I need to really focus on doing a good job in my own car – but as soon as we’ve packed up after our last race we’ll be making plans to watch Mark.”

Just two years older than Brabham, Le Brocq was yet to have his tenth birthday when Webber famously scored a fifth place result on his Grand Prix debut at Albert Park in 2002.

"Mark is definitely an inspiration to me,” said Le Brocq.

“He continues to show the world that Australia can produce top quality race car drivers.

“We may be far removed from Europe geographically, but our best drivers can still compete against and beat the best they have to offer.

"I aspire to follow in Mark’s footsteps with my own career."

According to AMSF General Manager Martin Stillman, Webber’s association with the AMSF has been a real boost for the foundation’s young drivers.

“We’re very privileged to have Mark as the AMSF patron,” said Stillman.

“Mark is very supportive of the programs that the AMSF deliver, and he’s obviously very supportive of all the young talent in Australia coming through all the national and international categories.”

Stillman also says that Webber’s efforts have opened the sport up to a wider audience this weekend, and that the former Queanbeyan resident would be a thoroughly deserving World Champion.

“Whether its tennis, whether it’s golf, cricket, or car racing, anytime an Australian is competing on the world stage and has the opportunity to bring glory to our country, I think everyone supports their efforts,” said Stillman.

“Mark has had an outstanding season and he’ll be a deserving champion.

“There’s been 30 years since the last Australian World Champion, so if he wins it’ll be a tremendous boost for motorsport in Australia.”

The Rising Stars competed in two Genuine Ford Parts Australian Formula Ford Championship practice sessions today at Symmons Plains Raceway.

Jacobson, Le Brocq and Brabham all ended the day within a second of pace-setter Cameron Waters, with the three rookie drivers concentrating on gaining maximum experience around the historic 2.41km Tasmanian venue.

Jacobson was the fastest of the Rising Stars in 12th position, while Brabham overcame gearbox issues in the morning to be 15th, one place behind Le Brocq.

The Rising Stars will return to the track tomorrow morning for qualifying and Race 1, before the final two races on Sunday.