Speeding around a race track in an Formula 1 car is a dream of many little boys and girls (and a fair few grown-ups, too).
The closest many of us in Abu Dhabi get to making that dream a reality is watching the Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit every year.
Well, it will no longer be a pipe-dream for one lucky (and probably very rich) person this year, as Michael Schumacher’s F2002 Ferrari car will be up for auction at this year’s race weekend.
It’s the vehicle he drove in three of his 11 wins that year. Some of the proceeds from the sale will go to Michael Schumacher’s Keep Fighting, Never Give Up Foundation. In 2013 he had a skiing accident that he has still not fully recovered from.
The car is thought of as one of the greatest ever in the history of F1, with German legend Schumacher winning the Drivers’ Championship and Ferrari winning the Constructors’ Championship by huge margins.
During the 2019 race weekend here in Abu Dhabi, for the first time ever, there will an action in collaboration with Sotheby’s.
It will take place on the evneing of November 30 at the first floor of the Yas Island race track’s Paddock Club.
Fans and registered bidders will be able to view the cars up for auction over the weekend and the cars will then be paraded down the start/finish straight and driven along the circuit’s pitlane before auction.
Other lots up for auction include a restored, low-mileage, 1990 Ferrari F40 signed by four-time World Champion and current Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel.
Kate Beavan, director of hospitality and experiences at F1 says: “We are very excited to announce Michael Schumacher’s 2002 Championship winning Ferrari as the star lot to be auctioned off at the season finale in Abu Dhabi. Together with the Ferrari F40 signed by World Champion Sebastian Vettel, our first ever auction hosted with RM Sotheby’s is already shaping up to be a spectacular occasion. Fans, Paddock Club guests, and bidders will have an incredible opportunity to get up close with these iconic cars and share in the excitement as they are auctioned off. We are proud to be able support Michael Schumacher’s Keep Fighting Foundation with proceeds from the sale.”
Oliver Camelin, car specialist, RM Sotheby’s, adds: “We are delighted to come out of the gate for our inaugural auction in partnership with Formula 1 with
such an amazing cornerstone consignment to the Abu Dhabi event.
“The Michael Schumacher F2002, chassis no. 219, is truly special; it represents one of the last Rory Byrne-designed, V10 era cars and was like a guided missile in acquiring wins on route to a Championship won with sheer racing dominance. As a result, it remains as one of the most dominant Formula 1 racing cars in history and is fittingly joined by the ultimate in Ferrari supercars in the virtually as-new Ferrari F40.
“As we proceed with considering consignments for the Abu Dhabi auction we look forward to an exciting year in partnership with Formula 1 that will include an RM Sotheby’s presence at some of the most notable circuits around the world.”
As always, the F1 weekend is shaping up to be pretty special, with big concerts taking place as well as other great events, and plenty of famous faces expected.
Race tickets from Dhs699. Thu Nov 28-Mon Dec 2 (auction Nov 30). Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island, www.yasmarinacircuit.com (800 927).
