A legendary Ferrari as soon as pushed by Michael Schumacher throughout the 1997 System One marketing campaign is at the moment within the fingers of 80-year-old motorsport fanatic Erich Zech. Michael Schumacher, broadly considered one of many best 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 12 months, 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 automotive, 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 automobile 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 really like most is having the ability to present this automotive to the individuals once more. My major 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 duplicate of the helmet Michael Schumacher wore whereas racing the enduring automotive. Nonetheless, 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 previous!
Age doesn’t appear to be a priority for Michael Zech, who confidently remarked: “However that’s particular, isn’t it? Driving such a automotive 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 verify. It was additionally a shock to me that I’m nonetheless so match. I began in that automotive and in Could I drove Michael Schumacher’s Ferrari for the primary time. Final 12 months, we already offered the 310B right here in Assen, however it wasn’t shifting again then.” – he identified, as reported by the British media.
“Many knowledge appeared to have been erased. Ingo Gerstl has nice contacts in Italy and because of him the automotive may run in his personal workshop for the primary time in March. That was an exceptional second for all of us. That is the one historic Ferrari that’s working with out ‘F1 clienti’ help from Maranello.”
It’s a heartwarming story of a loyal Ferrari fan, however the best way Erich Zech got here to personal this worthwhile piece of racing historical past is relatively uncommon. Reflecting on the acquisition, Erich Zech remembered:
“My response was that I used to be enthusiastic about one thing like that as effectively, however not in a automotive with out an engine…He knew a couple of Ferrari assortment in Europe, a group of which the proprietor had died. All these vehicles would go to Sotheby’s to be auctioned. He remembered that there was a Michael Schumacher F1 automotive amongst them, though I stated ‘A Michael Schumacher F1 automotive? I can’t purchase that as a result of it’s method too costly’. Anyway, he would collect data, verify whether or not the automotive was sellable in any respect and what the prices is perhaps. 4 weeks later, he referred to as me once more, reported that it was certainly a 1997 Schumacher F1 automotive and stated he may prepare the deal for me. I requested what the automotive ought to value and if he may ship me an image. Based mostly on that photograph, so with out seeing the automotive in actual life, I purchased it. Three days later, Schumacher’s automotive was in my storage…. That’s the way it took place.” – the 80-year-old concluded.
Oct 7, 2024
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