Statement from Premier Campbell Newman

It is with great sadness that I hear of the passing of Sir Jack Brabham.

Sir Jack was an outstanding Australian sportsman who contributed greatly to motor racing, the sport he so passionately loved.

A three time Formula One world champion, he was one of the most successful drivers and team owners, and the first driver to be knighted for services to motorsport.

As the only Formula One driver to have won a world title in a car he built, Sir Jack continued to pave the way for other Australians to achieve great success on the world stage throughout his retirement.

It was my great pleasure to join Sir Jack and his family in October 2012 to open a $10 million state of the art Automotive Centre of Excellence in his name. The centre is part of the great legacy Sir Jack has left behind.

My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Lady Margaret, and his sons at this sad time.

[ENDS] 19 May 2014