Michael Schumacher's 2003 title-winning Ferrari car is going up for auction and is tipped to land up to £8million. The car in question - named Chassis 229 - was driven nine times by Schumacher on the way to securing his sixth world championship.
Schumacher's 2003 model will go up for sale in Geneva, according to RM Sotheby's sales. Revealing the rarity of the item, Sotheby's executive assistant Vincent Luzuy said: "[It's] special because this car is one of the only four cars with more than four wins in the Ferrari history and especially with one of the most skilled driver of his generation, Michael Schumacher."
On the auctioneers' website, the 2003 Ferrari car is noted as one of the Prancing Horse's most successful vehicles. Schumacher won five races in it, in Spain, Austria, Canada, Italy and the United States.
The description read: "During Schumacher’s title-winning 2003 Formula One season, he secured a remarkable five victories in chassis #229, including the Grand Prix in Spain, Austria, Canada, Italy, and the United States. Furthermore, the car secured three pole positions, three fastest laps, and a further two podium finishes in Monaco and France.
"This astonishing race record made chassis #229 instrumental in securing the 6th World Championship for Michael Schumacher, which at that time surpassed Fangio’s 46-year record, as well as gifting Ferrari its fifth consecutive constructor’s title."
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The description goes on to add that the car is 'track ready' and one of the 'most exciting Formula One propositions to ever reach the open market'. "This Formula One car represents the zenith of one of the most naturally gifted drivers in motorsport," the auctioneers added.
"Winning his sixth World Championship title, before his seventh and final championship the following year, this was truly Schumacher at his peak. Offered here in fully track-ready condition, this is undoubtedly one of the most exciting Formula One propositions to ever reach the open market.
2003 proved to be one of the most nail-biting years in Formula 1 history, as the German star pipped rival Kimi Raikkonen to the world title by just two points. Heading into the final race, Schumacher, found himself nine points clear of Raikkonen.
This meant that a title victory was still possible for the Finnish star, if he won the Grand Prix and Schumacher failed to score a point. Dramatically, Schumacher managed to just edge his way into the points by finishing eighth whilst Raikkonen could only secure second place to hand the German star yet another world title.
