A tiny little piece of hardware that once was part of a Formula 1 car will be going under the hammer in May, with the owner probably hoping to make a small fortune by selling it to the highest bidder.
During RM Sotheby’s Monaco auction a few months from now, a bright red barge board that once was fitted on a Ferrari F1 car will try to steal all the attention. Not because it once belonged on a Scuderia racer, but because it comes complete with the signature of two of the most iconic drivers of the team: Michael Schumacher and Eddie Irvine.
We’re not being told on exactly what car this barge board was fitted on, as the two drivers were teammates for three years, between 1996 and 1999. Our best guess is it belongs to the 1999 F1 car, given that was the year the Italians won the constructor's championship following a very long drought.
Barge boards initially served one purpose when they were introduced, namely to improve aerodynamics. Later, they also took on the role of vortex generators.
Designed as curved vertical planes, barge boards are located between the front wheels and the side pods. They are used to smoothen the turbulent air coming from the front wings, suspension links and wheels. Once calmed down, the air is directed around the side pods, either upward or toward the radiator inlets.
When acting as vortex generators, they redirect the air, helping with the fitting of more aggressive profiles of aerodynamic diffusers.
RM Sotheby’s does not say what’s so special about this particular barge board, apart from being signed by the two drivers, of course. The auction house is also tight-lipped when it comes to the asking price for this tiny little piece of motorsport history.
For more info once it becomes available, you can check out the official page at RM Sotheby’s.
We’re not being told on exactly what car this barge board was fitted on, as the two drivers were teammates for three years, between 1996 and 1999. Our best guess is it belongs to the 1999 F1 car, given that was the year the Italians won the constructor's championship following a very long drought.
Barge boards initially served one purpose when they were introduced, namely to improve aerodynamics. Later, they also took on the role of vortex generators.
Designed as curved vertical planes, barge boards are located between the front wheels and the side pods. They are used to smoothen the turbulent air coming from the front wings, suspension links and wheels. Once calmed down, the air is directed around the side pods, either upward or toward the radiator inlets.
When acting as vortex generators, they redirect the air, helping with the fitting of more aggressive profiles of aerodynamic diffusers.
RM Sotheby’s does not say what’s so special about this particular barge board, apart from being signed by the two drivers, of course. The auction house is also tight-lipped when it comes to the asking price for this tiny little piece of motorsport history.
For more info once it becomes available, you can check out the official page at RM Sotheby’s.