The Brundle Motorsport Ford GT40’s Spa Six Hours bid ended in frustration after Alex Brundle retired the car due to an oil-pressure issue, drawing a line under a spirited run that featured a gritty stint from former Formula 1 driver Martin Brundle.
Strong effort, tough call
In historic endurance racing, mechanical sympathy is as vital as outright speed. After a determined push kept the GT40 in the mix, dwindling oil pressure forced the team’s hand. Protecting the engine—and the car’s long-term prospects—took precedence over chasing the flag.
Why oil pressure ends races
- Early warning: Falling pressure signals inadequate lubrication, risking rapid engine wear.
- Immediate jeopardy: Bearings, cams, and valvetrain components can suffer catastrophic damage.
- Preservation over peril: Sensible retirement avoids a far costlier rebuild.
Spa Six Hours: history meets hard reality
The Spa Six Hours is a magnet for icons like the GT40, where period machinery is tested by modern race intensity. Martin Brundle’s “valiant” effort showcased the enduring appeal of classic endurance racing—while the retirement underscored its unforgiving edge.
For Brundle Motorsport, the weekend still carried positives: pace, poise, and the decision-making discipline that keeps a storied car ready to fight another day.
