One of motor racing's most popular personalities, Sir Jack Brabham, is backing the Melbourne based Aurora solar car team by becoming Team Patron.

Sir Jack Brabham the first driver to be knighted for his services to motor sport, whose name is synonymous with Grand Prix motor racing, believes Australia's tenacity and focus on success in sport will help Aurora remain the world's best solar car team.

In announcing his position as Patron of the Aurora solar car team, Sir Jack said: "I have been watching Aurora's achievements for a number of years. I am now proud to be Patron of a group of inventive and inspired volunteers, who have achieved long term success in the important field of energy efficient transportation."

He urges Australians to support Aurora - "a great example of the Australian spirit to succeed" - in its most ambitious international program since its beginnings in 1980.

"In this international "brainsport" of solar car development, Aurora has become the world's most accomplished team" Sir Jack added.

Having made motor racing his life - and attained the pinnacle of success in Formula One racing - Brabham says "competition is essential to improving performance and providing a clear focus for the arduous journey of becoming a winner. Commitment to competition, while flying the Australian technology flag around the world, will see Aurora achieve its objectives."

In the last 18 months alone, the group has become the world's most accomplished solar car team, setting 8 new world records in addition to breaking world records set by previous champions Honda (Japan), Biel (Switzerland) and Queens (Canada).