The Sumo Power GT team has arrived in Abu Dhabi and is preparing for the first round of this year's
FIA GT1 World Championship, with David Brabham looking forward to making his series debut at a circuit new to him.
The race, which takes place at the impressive Yas Marina Circuit this Saturday [26 March], will see the Australian breaking new ground as he lines up alongside Ricardo Zonta, Enrique Bernoldi and co-driver Jamie Campbell-Walter in the two-car Nissan GT-R line-up.
All four drivers had an opportunity to drive the Sumo Power team's cars at Zolder in Belgium two weeks ago and, although track time was limited, each reported they felt comfortable and were eager for more seat-time to get properly dialled in.
The team was also pleased that, although having undergone a complete rebuild, both cars performed well - even on base settings.
“I really liked the Nissan when I drove it at the test," multiple ALMS champion Brabham confirmed, "I had a smile on my face after the first lap.
"Although I've never driven the Yas Marina track before, from what I have seen on TV it looks like an amazing place and my goal will be - as always - to win.”
When it arrived at the Yas Marina track last year, the whole operation had only been in existence a few weeks. Now, with a season of competition in the
FIA GT1 World Championship behind it and with an impressive line-up of drivers, hopes in the Sumo Power GT camp are high that it will get its 2011 campaign off to a flying start on Saturday.
“This is it then!" team principal Andy Barnes commented, "The start of a new season and I can't wait.
"Our driver line-up is probably the best there is on the grid, so I'm really optimistic about our chances. However, it's going to be critical that we get the drivers and cars dialled in during the official test and practice before the races. If we do, look out!”