Almost 30 years on from their first encounter on track together, racing’s ‘rat pack’ of Damon Hill, Martin Donnelly, Julian Bailey and Perry McCarthy returned to Brands Hatch.

The quartet were back at Brands Hatch on Thursday, the scene of many of their battles, for a practice session ahead of this Saturday’s (19 May) DTM-supporting VW Scirocco R-Cup race. They will also race alongside friend Mark Blundell and honoury member David Brabham, who fought through the ranks of Formula Ford and Formula 3 at the same time.

After an hour of acclimatising themselves to the LPG-powered cars, the four, who apart from Donnelly have all since retired from racing, got together to discuss their return in aid of 1996 World Champion Damon’s HALOW charity.

We spoke to them all about the weekend ahead:

Damon: It’s wonderful to make my racing comeback here. I love Brands Hatch, I was Champion of Brands in 1983 on bikes, which is one of my proudest achievements! I’ve won here on bikes and in cars and had some great times at Brands Hatch, it’s had a fantastic history and Jonathan Palmer’s done an excellent job of keeping Brands Hatch up there as a premier venue for motorsport in this country.

Julian: The circuit hasn’t changed very much but it is a lot tidier. It hasn’t really changed from a driver’s point of view.

Martin: Obviously the exit at Graham Hill bend has changed and Paddock Hill bend is a terror as you cannot run four wheels off anymore. Brands Hatch is great for spectators with a natural amphitheatre. For the drivers it’s really busy there is no chance to have a rest.

Perry: I don’t think you should modify the circuit, what I think they should do is give me a faster car so I can overtake!

Martin: I’ve asked for a heavy front bumper so I can push Perry out the way just like old times!

 

What does it feel like being back on track together?

 

Damon: It’s fun, it’s good fun. Everyone said they weren’t going to try hard and drive fast but they’re all doing that, so they’re up to their old tricks again!

Perry: I’ve just come back from a three week intensive training session in Tenerife before that I was skiing in Norway with the Commando unit.

Julian: I have been spending a lot less time in my pub.

Martin: Damon’s attitude was to just drive the car round but when you put the helmet on you get competitive.

Perry: We are  talking about the 1996 F1 world champion here – a 22 Grand Prix winner and he has come back after a 12 year lay off really with minimal testing and hasn’t driven front wheel drive. For Damon he is setting himself up for a fall against these young lads and he is doing it to be with us the rat pack and to raise the profile for the charity and I think that is incredibly commendable. There will be a bit of ribbing between us but we can’t really say much to Damon as he did the job and made it to F1.

 

Who would they be putting their money on for the race?

 

Perry: My money would go on either Martin (Donnelly) or David (Brabham) from our pack.

Martin: Mark Blundell should be the best draw as he did it last year and knows what to expect. He has a bit of confidence in the car and the upper hand.

Julian: I would say Mark too as he has the most experience. The cars are not difficult to drive but they are quirky with paddle shifts and the boost button.

Damon: I think Perry seems to be very motivated, strangely, I don’t know why!

 

Finally, would this be their last outing together?

 

Martin: I sincerely hope not this is not the final outing for the rat pack. It depends how much entertainment we put on.

Julian: It depends how many cars Volkswagen will have left.

Perry: Everything has kicked off just as we thought and the banter is flowing. It is down to the joy that Volkswagen have in motorsport to provide a platform for us to be us again, so we need to thank them for that.

Damon: Yes, I’m going to do this weekend and move on!

 

Tickets for the DTM-supporting VW Scirocco R-Cup are available on the gate for £10 on Friday and £15 on Saturday, with free entry for children aged 12 and under. For more information call 0843 453 9000 or visit www.brandshatch.co.uk