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Historic Ferrari 310B Takes Center Stage at The Racing Day in Assen
The Ferrari 310B, a car forever linked to Michael Schumacher’s legendary 1997 Monaco Grand Prix victory, captivated attendees at The Racing Day event in Assen, significantly enhanced by demo runs executed by former F1 driver David Coulthard. This iconic vehicle holds a special place in motorsport history, and its presence at the event was a highlight for fans and enthusiasts alike.
Currently owned by 80-year-old Erich Zech, the 310B made its much-anticipated track debut after being sidelined last year due to preparation issues. Zech, who expressed his excitement about the car’s performance, noted, “It was phenomenal. The response from the fans, who stood and applauded, was very moving for me.”
Zech’s commitment to preserving the legacy of Schumacher is evident. He emphasized his desire to recreate the experience associated with the car’s historical glory days. A significant part of this experience is his decision to wear a replica of Schumacher’s helmet during drives, offering a nostalgic visual reminiscent of the past.
Reflecting on the peculiar contrast of ages, Zech remarked light-heartedly about the 52-year gap between him and Schumacher when he piloted the 310B at 28 years old, saying, “Sadly so! But that’s special, isn’t it? Driving such a car is a challenge, but I still feel incredibly fit.” To ensure he was physically prepared, Zech underwent a health check to obtain the required racing license—a process he found surprisingly affirming, revealing his overall fitness level.
What is especially notable is that until last year, Zech had never driven a single-seater car. “I only started driving race cars in May last year. I always said that if I bought a Formula 1 car, I would like to drive it one day,” he shared. His introduction to racing was facilitated by Ingo Gerstl, an Austrian driver and manager who encouraged Zech to pursue his dream and helped him with training in a GP2 car.
A Dream Realized
Zech’s journey with the 310B took a more tangible form when he finally drove it at the Jim Clark Revival in Hockenheim earlier this year. Describing that moment, he likened it to “Easter and Christmas falling on one day, so beautiful!” As a local resident near Hockenheim, experiencing the nostalgia tied to this event was particularly poignant for him.
The Ferrari’s restoration process revealed many challenges, as some essential data had been lost. Thanks to Gerstl’s connections in Italy, the car was successfully rejuvenated at their workshop for the first time in March, a moment of triumph for all involved. “This is the only historic Ferrari that is running without ‘F1 clienti’ support from Maranello,” he stated, highlight the uniqueness of the situation.
The Purchase Story
Zech’s acquisition of the Ferrari 310B also has an interesting backstory. During a visit to a new Ferrari dealership in Dubai with his daughter, he fatefully encountered a sales manager who recognized Zech’s passion for the brand. The conversation turned to available cars, leading to the discovery of a collection that included Schumacher’s F1 car, which was unexpectedly for sale following the owner’s passing.
Despite initial hesitations about the cost, after gathering information and receiving a photograph, Zech made the decision to purchase the car without seeing it in person. “Three days later, Schumacher’s car was in my garage. That’s how it came about,” he recounted.
The Future
Following the success at various venues, including Spielberg and Assen, Zech expressed his hopes to return to the TT Circuit for events like the Classic GP in September and The Racing Day next year. “I hope so! I’ve reached an age at which you can’t say what tomorrow brings, but if everything goes well, I’d love to come back,” he stated optimistically.
Fulfilled at this stage of his life, Zech reflects on his boyhood dream of being close to the iconic figure of Michael Schumacher, whom he admired deeply during his racing days. Today, he finds himself behind the wheel of one of motorsport’s most storied machines. “It’s quite a cool story…” he concluded, epitomizing the essence of passion and perseverance in the world of motorsport.
Source
www.motorsport.com