Early Racing Career

Martin had a passion for cars from an early age and started driving around fields near his home when he was seven years old. He began motor racing at the age of twelve, driving a self-built Ford Anglia, competing in grass track racing in the village of Pott Row, Norfolk.

"When I was seven, me and my brother went flying around the fields in an old Austin A35. When I finished school, I'd see Dad in the garage and help him take engines apart. When I was 12, I started banger-racing. All I had was cars, and all I wanted was cars."

He moved to Hot Rod short oval racing in 1975, where the 70 mph quarter mile tracks generated many wins. After passing his driving test and gaining a circuit racing licence, he began saloon racing.

In 1977 he drove his first proper circuit in his Toyota Celica at Oulton Park, where he obtained pole position. The car was entered under the name of his father car dealership - 'John Brundle (Motors) Ltd. Following this achievement, he participated in many races learning the circuits of Great Britain, right through to 1978.

In 1979, he started single seaters with Formula Ford. During this time, he also raced Tom Walkinshaw's BMW race cars, achieving second against a field of international drivers at Snetterton.

He won the BMW championship in 1980 and partnered Sir Stirling Moss in the BP/Audi team of 1981.

In 1982, he moved up to Formula 3 achieving five poles and two wins in his debut season. He won the Grovewood Award as the most promising Commonwealth driver.

The next year, he battled Ayrton Senna, for the F3 championship, which Brundle eventually lost on the final laps of the last race.

In 1984 Martin was promoted to Formula One.

Top of Page

DVD