The Brabham family have distanced themselves from an attempt by an organisation calling itself Brabham Grand Prix Ltd. to bring the iconic name back to F1.

In a statement issued last night the Brabham family expressed their surprise at the news that an entry has been submitted for the 2010 FIA Formula One World Championship by Formtech with the intention of operating as Brabham Grand Prix Limited.

“The family would like to make it clear that they are in no way involved with Brabham Grand Prix Limited and received no consultation regarding the company’s plans to resurrect their historic name in Formula One.” the statement said.

 The family is taking legal advice and will take necessary steps to protect their name, reputation and its goodwill.

The new Brabham Grand Prix team is led by by German entrepreneur Franz Hilmer, owner of Formtech GmbH, a machine tool business based in Germany. Australian Mark Preston, formerly the technical director of Super Aguri will be technical director.

Preston was previously with Super Aguri and the new team says it will operate out of that teams former home, the Leafield Technical Centre.

The announcement of the possible return of the Brabham name to F1 came only an hour before the announcement in Melbourne that 15 year old Matthew Brabham, son of Le Mans winner Geoff and the Grandson of three time World Champion Sir Jack, would soon make his Australian circuit racing debut in the Victorian Formula Ford Championship.