This year has been a poignant one for Michael Schumacher fans. We have just seen Lewis Hamilton equal Michael Schumacher’s record of 91 Formula 1 Grand Prix wins, and he is surely set to equal the German legend's record of seven world titles by seasons end as well. Schumacher, of course, is most famous driving for Ferrari, and the last one he drove was the 2006 Ferrari 248. This video from YouTube channel 'cvdzijden - Supercar Videos' highlights Ferrari’s Corse Clienti program and sees Schumacher's classic car take a spin around the Spa-Francorchamps Grand Prix circuit.
The 2006 Ferrari Contender
The Ferrari 248 was raced by both Schumacher and his teammate, Felipe Massa, and was designed by Rory Byrne, Aldo Costa, and John Iley. Ross Brawn also played a vital role in the production of the car. It was powered by a V8 engine – the V10s being outlawed at the end of 2005, and replaced with the V8 formula that would last until the end of 2013. Between Massa and Schumacher, the car won nine races and took 19 podiums and seven pole positions.
Schumacher nearly took the car to the world title that year, but a retirement in the Japanese Grand Prix that year saw his title hopes virtually dashed. His rival for that season was Renault’s Fernando Alonso, who would go on to take his second world title driving that year's Renault R26. Alonso had also won the previous year's title for Renault in the R25.
The Corse Clienti Program
Ferrari’s Corse Clienti is a very exclusive program where those with deep enough pockets can come and drive some of the company’s best and most famous cars. The 248 is one of them, and being the last Ferrari that Michael Schumacher raced in, it is perhaps even more poignant and emotional to those who are lucky enough to be able to drive the car. Each one of his cars is extremely valuable, especially the 2002 F2002 that he won his fifth world title in.
Sources: YouTube, Max F1