Brabham commemorative plane arrives in Australia

A special Alliance Airlines Embraer 190 aircraft, painted in a green and gold livery honoring three-time Formula 1 World Champion Sir Jack Brabham, has landed in Australia. The unique design features an image of Brabham driving his iconic BT19 car, commemorating his historic 1966 championship victory.

Why it matters:

The arrival of this aircraft serves as a high-flying tribute to one of motorsport's most significant achievements. Brabham's 1966 title remains the only instance in F1 history where a driver won the championship in a car bearing his own name, a feat that has never been replicated. This public display keeps the legacy of an Australian sporting icon visible on a global stage.

The details:

• The aircraft, registration N258JB, is operated by Alliance Airlines, a carrier known for frequently running commemorative and special liveries instead of a standard corporate design.
• The livery prominently features the green and gold colors associated with Brabham and his team, along with a graphic of the BT19, the car in which he secured his third and final world title.
• Images of the freshly painted plane began circulating online last week, generating excitement among motorsport fans ahead of its official arrival on Australian soil on Thursday night.

The big picture:

Jack Brabham's legacy extends far beyond his three world championships (1959, 1960, 1966). As a driver and constructor, he embodied a unique blend of engineering prowess and racing skill. The 1966 season was the pinnacle, where he proved a team could be built from the ground up to beat the established giants. This plane's livery is a mobile monument to that entrepreneurial and competitive spirit, celebrating a milestone that continues to define unparalleled success in Formula 1.