The Ferraris are the masterpiece of engineering art, resembling the pinnacle of performance and pride. Its Formula 1 division not just contributed a much-needed knowledge pool for their road-legal vehicles but also added a sporty brand reputation among enthusiasts. The F300 with chassis number 187 dominated the F1 1998 with its unbeatable character.
The car, driven by legendary Michael Schumacher, won four Grand-Prix laurels. The 187 F300 edged the Canadian Grand-Prix with a 16 seconds gap between the runner-up car. Next up was the French Grand-Prix, wherein Ferraris dominated the race with a 1-2 finish. Michael Suchmaher, in his F300, crossed the chequered flag 19 seconds ahead of Mika Hakkinen. Michael clinched back-to-back 3rd victory with wet tyres at the British Grand Prix with F300. The car was then benched for upcoming four Grand-Prix , and then made its promising appearance at Ferrari's home race in Monza ( Italy). According to reports, the 187 F300 was acquired by the current owner from Scuderia Ferrari in 1999 and shielded it from public view.
The F300 was designed by South African engineer Rory Byrne. Byrne-designed F1 cars have a legacy of winning 99 Grand Prix, seven Constructor's Championship, and seven Driver's titles. The car features a V10 2996.62 cc engine that can churn out a maximum power of 805hp at 17300rpm. The car only weighs 600kg (including liquids and driver), giving it one of the best power-to-weight ratios of 1.34. It has a multi-plate clutch with an electro-hydraulic 7-speed+reverse transmission unit. Its power-per-liter of 269 hp/l can shame some of the fastest cars today. The suspension on the front has the shock absorbers mounted vertically, while torsion bars and push-rods are retained all-around. Despite the momentous season, Ferrari finished second in the World's Constructor Championship, with 133 points.
Fans and enthusiasts with deep pockets can buy Michael Schumacher's 1998 F1 car, which is set to be auctioned at RM Sotheby's Monterey, USA, next month. The expected prices are around 6-8 million dollars ( Rs 47.87 crore – Rs 63.82 crore). The F300 is one of those collector's dream cars that will soon take place in someone's wealthy garage. Cheer-up, peps, we can still afford a bedroom poster, though!
