A legendary Ferrari as soon as pushed by Michael Schumacher through the 1997 System One marketing campaign is presently within the arms of 80-year-old motorsport fanatic Erich Zech. Michael Schumacher, extensively thought to be one of many biggest drivers in F1 historical past with a file seven World Championships, had a turbulent 1997 season, which resulted in disqualification after a controversial conflict with Jacques Villeneuve.
Regardless of being stripped of his runner-up place within the Drivers’ Championship, Michael Schumacher retained his 5 race wins that yr, together with a victory on the prestigious Monaco Grand Prix behind the wheel of the Ferrari 310B. Erich Zech, the present proprietor of this iconic automobile, has lovingly restored it and lately introduced it again to life at a motorsport occasion within the Netherlands. Talking to Autosport after the occasion, Erich Zech expressed his ardour for the legendary car and his admiration for the motorsport icon:
“It was phenomenal. What I beloved probably the most and what touched me was the response of the followers. They stood up and applauded, which was nice to witness. What I like most is with the ability to present this automobile to the individuals once more. My predominant purpose is to make the expertise as shut as doable to what it was again within the day with Schumacher.” – he defined.
Erich Zech went all out throughout his drive within the Ferrari, even donning a exact reproduction of the helmet Michael Schumacher wore whereas racing the long-lasting automobile. Nevertheless, one main distinction stood out—whereas the legendary Ferrari driver was in his late twenties throughout his time behind the wheel, Michael Zech is now 80 years outdated!
Age doesn’t appear to be a priority for Michael Zech, who confidently remarked: “However that’s particular, isn’t it? Driving such a automobile is a problem, however I nonetheless really feel extremely match. I needed to get the official [racing] licence to drive it and, for that, I needed to cross a well being test. It was additionally a shock to me that I’m nonetheless so match. I began in that automobile and in Might I drove Michael Schumacher’s Ferrari for the primary time. Final yr, we already introduced the 310B right here in Assen, however it wasn’t shifting again then.” – he identified, as reported by the British media.
“Many information appeared to have been erased. Ingo Gerstl has nice contacts in Italy and due to him the automobile might run in his personal workshop for the primary time in March. That was an outstanding second for all of us. That is the one historic Ferrari that’s working with out ‘F1 clienti’ assist from Maranello.”
It’s a heartwarming story of a faithful Ferrari fan, however the best way Erich Zech got here to personal this worthwhile piece of racing historical past is quite uncommon. Reflecting on the acquisition, Erich Zech remembered:
“My response was that I used to be eager about one thing like that as effectively, however not in a automobile with out an engine…He knew a couple of Ferrari assortment in Europe, a set of which the proprietor had died. All these automobiles would go to Sotheby’s to be auctioned. He remembered that there was a Michael Schumacher F1 automobile amongst them, though I stated ‘A Michael Schumacher F1 automobile? I can’t purchase that as a result of it’s approach too costly’. Anyway, he would collect info, test whether or not the automobile was sellable in any respect and what the prices is likely to be. 4 weeks later, he known as me once more, reported that it was certainly a 1997 Schumacher F1 automobile and stated he might organize the deal for me. I requested what the automobile ought to value and if he might ship me an image. Based mostly on that photograph, so with out seeing the automobile in actual life, I purchased it. Three days later, Schumacher’s automobile was in my storage…. That’s the way it took place.” – the 80-year-old concluded.
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