Ex Formula 1 Drivers Collectables Set to Climb in Value?
Congratulations to the GP Masters team and all the retired Formula 1 drivers who competed in front of 70,000 fans yesterday (Sunday, 13 November) at the Grand Prix Masters inaugural race at the Kyalami circuit in South Africa.
And wasn’t it great too (at least for we slightly older motor racing enthusiasts) to hear Murray Walker (aged 82!) returning to a permanent position as commentator in the series. Hearing the “real” F1 theme back on the BBC also brought a lump to the throat and a little tear to the eye.
To be at least 45 (the minimum age for ex F1 championship-winning drivers to qualify for the race series) and still be able to even fit into these cars is remarkable.
But to be also able to drive for 30 laps non-stop in a 650 BHP racing car with no traction control and still keep the competition at bay is almost incredible.
Yet that is what Il Lione (Nigel Mansell, to most people except the Ferrari Tifosi fans) achieved yesterday after qualifying in pole position. Mansell finished the race less than 0.5 seconds in front of Emerson Fittipaldi in second position and Ricardo Patrese in third place.
With a planned seven or more races next season, including possibly Silverstone, it wouldn’t be surprising if these GP Masters attracted a loyal and considerable following.
Now where did I put that Blue and Yellow Number 5 Williams model that Nigel used to drive – and where oh where is the Silverstone programme he autographed – got to get them listed on eBay quick!
And wasn’t it great too (at least for we slightly older motor racing enthusiasts) to hear Murray Walker (aged 82!) returning to a permanent position as commentator in the series. Hearing the “real” F1 theme back on the BBC also brought a lump to the throat and a little tear to the eye.
To be at least 45 (the minimum age for ex F1 championship-winning drivers to qualify for the race series) and still be able to even fit into these cars is remarkable.
But to be also able to drive for 30 laps non-stop in a 650 BHP racing car with no traction control and still keep the competition at bay is almost incredible.
Yet that is what Il Lione (Nigel Mansell, to most people except the Ferrari Tifosi fans) achieved yesterday after qualifying in pole position. Mansell finished the race less than 0.5 seconds in front of Emerson Fittipaldi in second position and Ricardo Patrese in third place.
With a planned seven or more races next season, including possibly Silverstone, it wouldn’t be surprising if these GP Masters attracted a loyal and considerable following.
Now where did I put that Blue and Yellow Number 5 Williams model that Nigel used to drive – and where oh where is the Silverstone programme he autographed – got to get them listed on eBay quick!
