2 hours ago
By James Grant, BBC News, Northamptonshire
A remote controlled car modelled on Michael Schumacher’s 2002 world championship Ferrari and signed by the F1 legend could fetch between £150,000 and £200,000 at auction.
The piece, which is set to go under the hammer at Silverstone, is a 1:3 scale replica, weighs 32kg (71lb) and took three years and more than 1,000 hours to build.
The winning bidder could race the car “in excess of 80km/h (50mph)”, Graham Budd Auctions said, but they would need “a full training session” before using it.
Adam Gascoigne, the auction house’s chief executive, said the item was “as close to a genuine Formula 1 car as you can get”.
Schumacher was dominant for Ferrari in 2002, achieving a podium position in all 17 races – winning a then record 11 Grands Prix.
He signed the replica car during a visit to the factory in Switzerland where it was made, and was said to be “thrilled and really impressed” by it.
According to Mr Gascoigne, the car has been so intricately made it needs “a team of engineers” to start it and a “proper track” to race it on.
Mr Gascoigne added: “We’ve put an estimate of £150,000 to £200,000, but it’s very difficult to put a price on something so unique.”
The auction will also feature other F1 memorabilia, including a race suit signed by Max Verstappen, a helmet worn by Rubens Barrichello and a track suit top signed by Ayrton Senna.
All items are being sold online and in person, with the auction taking place on 4 July – the start date of the British GP weekend.
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