Sportscar veteran David Brabham is in for a busy weekend when the American Le Mans Series kicks off at Sebring, not only racing the Patron Highcroft Acura, but also demonstrating the very car in which father Jack won the 1959 F1 world title at the same track.
Distractions aside, however, the Florida airfield circuit remains one of the Australian's favourite, as he explains.
Q:What is your favourite corner and why?
David Brabham:My favourite corner is certainly turn one - it is definitely the fastest corner we go through in the American Le Mans Series. The bumps make it extremely challenging but, with the cars we have today, if you get it right, you can make it through there flat in sixth gear. That was unheard of two years ago. It is extremely fast and very challenging both from a driver's perspective, and from a technical point of view. You have to ensure the car is stable and you must keep the wheels on the ground.
Q:What is the most challenging aspect of the Twelve Hours of Sebring?
DB:Sebring is a fantastic challenge to get the car to work well and remain fast and comfortable throughout the race. You need a car that can absorb the bumps, so there is a lot of work that goes into the suspension and aero set-up - probably more so than any other track we go to. You really have to be well prepared because, if you are a little bit lost in the first session, you can run out of time to get it right. Preparation is the key.
In regards to the race, you have to be fast and not make mistakes on a track that can easily lend itself to making errors because the grip level can change quite a bit throughout the twelve hours. The bumps can easily catch you out and you have to deal with the traffic so you have to concentrate hard throughout the race.
Q:What is the secret to a good lap at Sebring?
DB:That is my secret - I'm not saying!
Q:If you could make a change to the circuit, what would it be?
DB:A part of me wants to say take the bumps out but, in some way, that would take away part of the challenge, so I would say leave it exactly as it is.
Q:What is your favourite memory of Sebring?
DB:One of the best races I had at Sebring was the big return race for Aston Martin in 2005. We had a great race with the Corvettes and winning the GT1 class was certainly a special moment. Winning it overall would be fantastic - I've won in GT1 and GT2 but, now we are going there with the new Acura LMP1, I am pretty determined to get that trophy.
