Brabham BT53 BMW

Active: 1984
Team: Brabham Motor Racing Developments

Designer: Gordon Murray, David North
Drivers: Neslon Piquet (1), Theo Fabi / Corrado Fabi / Manfred Winkelhock (2)

While the Brabham BT53 was a strong contender good for 2 race wins, it was far from reliable as often the engine or the turbocharger failed. In sharp contrast to these negatives, Nelson Piquet amassed 9 pole positions during the season, proving that the car had great pace.

The car was however a mere evolution of the Brabham BT52 with minor changes to the position of the turbos and intercoolers. At the Canadian GP, Brabham developed a new frontal oil cooler positioned in the nose of the car. Nelson Piquet immediately won that race but did so with burnt feet, as the temperatures in the cockpit rose immensely because of the added oil cooler.

As of the English GP at Brands Hatch the team ran an updated car, the Brabham BT52B which was a bit sleeker and more performing. Piquet managed to be on pole 5 times with this car in the seven remaining races of the season

Specifications

Chassis: Alu/Carbonfibre monocoque
Fuel tank size: 220 l
Gearbox: Brabham/Hewland/Weismann
Brakes: Discs by Girling/Hitco

Dimensions

Weight: 545 kg
Front track: 1702 mm
Rear track: 1626 mm

Engine

Designation: BMW L4T
Engine type: 1,499cc with 4 cylinders in line, turbocharged
Power: 850 bhp @ 11000 rpm