All posts by Francis Mitterrand

Schumacher’s 1998 Ferrari F300 is up for auction

July 23, 2022 Francis Mitterrand

Michael Schumacher is one of the greatest Formula 1 drivers in history, about whom very little is known since the accident that happened to him. Everything related to him attracts a lot of attention, including this 1998 Ferrari F300 car with which Schumacher achieved four out of six victories that season. The car is listed at RM Sotheby’s and the auction will take place on August 18 – 20.

The car is in excellent condition and was sold by Ferrari in 1999 to the owner who has now put it up for auction. It has chassis number 187, and driving this car in Canada, Schumacher achieved the fastest lap, but also the most important first victory of that season with an advantage of 19 seconds. He achieved his second victory in France, and his third in Great Britain. The fourth victory came in the Italian Grand Prix.

The Ferrari F300 is powered by a 3.0-liter V10 engine with 805 hp (592 kW). It is equipped with carbon-carbon composite discs, electro-hydraulic 7-speed transmission, independent push-rod, twin wishbones, torsion bar springs, Good Year tires, telescopic shock absorbers and anti-roll bar.

When it comes to the price, the Ferrari F300 is expected to reach the price of 6 – 8 million dollars.

Source: RM Sotheby’s

News

Sebastian Vettel drove a 100-year-old Aston Martin TT1

July 23, 2022 Francis Mitterrand

In 1922, Aston Martin produced its first racing car, the Aston Martin TT1, which premiered at the 1922 French Grand Prix in Strasbourg. Now, 100 years later, four-time World Drivers’ Champion, Sebastian Vettel had the opportunity to drive this unique racing car.

Aston Martin organized an event celebrating 100 years of the TT1 model and Vettel was also present at the event as a member of the Aston Martin Formula 1 team. The car was built with two seats, driver + mechanic, which was standard at the time. The mechanic maintained pressure in the fuel system using a hand pump and fixed problems that might occur during the race. Back then there were no pit stops like we have now in Formula 1.

Aston Martin TT1 is powered by a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder 16v engine with 55 hp (40 kW), which is enough to push the car to a top speed of 85 mph (137 km/h). The TT1 model was not successful on its debut, because after 19 laps it had to leave the race due to an engine failure.

We’re sure Vettel enjoyed driving this unique car, but it was also a privilege.

Source: Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant via Facebook

EV, News

2022 Alpine A110 E-ternity

July 22, 2022 Francis Mitterrand

At the beginning of 2021, the French car manufacturer Alpine announced that it will stop producing cars with internal combustion engines by 2030. The first step towards that goal is the 2022 Alpine A110 E-ternity prototype, which will be unveiled at the upcoming French Formula 1 Grand Prix.

The A110 E-ternity is based on the A110 Coupé. It is powered by a modified electric motor with 240 hp (176 kW) and 221 lb-ft (300 Nm) of torque. That’s enough power to propel it to 62 mph in 4.5 seconds with a top speed of 99 mph (160 km/h), with a range of up to 260 miles (420 km). The same engine, but with 220 hp (160 kW), powers the recently launched Renault Mégana E-Tech.

The all-electric A110 is equipped with 12 battery modules, increasing the weight to 1,378 kg (3,037 lbs), 258 kg more than the conventional model. Also, compared to the A110, the EV differs by its removable roof made of recycled carbon, but also by its innovative infotainment screen located on the dashboard in front of the driver. The rest of the design is retained from the conventional model.