Around and about, February 1989

Brabham turmoil

A Brabham entry has been filed for the 1989 Formula One World Championship, though the team’s exact composition remains unclear.

It appears that Bernie Ecclestone has sold his entire interest in the team he acquired from Ron Tauranac in 1971, although there has also been speculation that Alfa Romeo had purchased a significant interest in 1987. Walter Brun has fronted negotiations, but the new owner is Swiss entrepreneur Joachim Luhti.

Drivers Stefano Modena and Martin Brundle have been signed up. Sergio Rinland’s new chassis will be Judd-powered.

Earlier in the winter, the new Brabham team structure looked set to involve Australian golfer Greg Norman, who admitted his interest but then backed out of the venture. Former Williams public-relations man Peter Windsor also left his position as managing director after playing a key role in bringing about the new personnel line-up.

Despite Brun’s role in the purchase, his EuroBrun team has signed up F3000 driver Gregor Foitek for its second season in Grands Prix. Both teams will have to pre-qualify.