The sight of an 80-year-old man driving Michael Schumacher’s iconic Ferrari 310B has captivated fans. The legendary car, once driven by the F1 champion, now roars back to life under the hands of Erich Zech.
At a recent event in Assen, the Ferrari 310B, known for its 1997 Monaco Grand Prix victory, made headlines with its new elderly driver. This is not just a story of a vintage car but an embodiment of passion, determination, and nostalgia.
A Spectacular Return to the Track
Among the highlights of The Racing Day in Assen was the Ferrari 310B, driven by Michael Schumacher during his 1997 F1 season. The car has a special significance, as Schumacher won the 1997 Monaco Grand Prix with it. Now, it is owned and raced by 80-year-old Erich Zech.
Last year, Zech attended the event but the car was not ready for the track. Earlier this month, fans finally saw it in action. “It was phenomenal,” Zech shared. “The reaction of the fans, standing up and applauding, was great to witness.”
Maintaining the Experience
Zech’s aim is to recreate the authentic experience of Schumacher’s era. He goes to the extent of wearing a replica of Schumacher’s helmet, enhancing the nostalgic feel when driving the car. This dedication transforms the exhibition into a tribute to the original racing legend.
“Driving such a car is a challenge, but I still feel incredibly fit,” Zech laughs. To legally drive the Ferrari, he underwent a health check to obtain an official racing license, surprising even himself with his fitness at 80.
From Novice to Racer
Interestingly, until last year, Zech had never driven a single-seater car. He started driving race cars only in May the previous year, vowing to drive if he ever bought an F1 car.
Zech credits Ingo Gerstl, an Austrian Boss GP driver, for his progress. Gerstl, who holds the lap record at the TT Circuit Assen with his Toro Rosso STR01, encouraged Zech, suggesting a health check before diving into racing.
Reviving Schumacher’s Ferrari 310B
The journey of reviving the Ferrari 310B is also remarkable. Zech bought a GP2 car from Gerstl, using it as a training vehicle before attempting to drive the Ferrari.
“In May, I drove Michael Schumacher’s Ferrari for the first time,” Zech recalled. Although presented the previous year at Assen, it was not functional then. Missing data required substantial work before it could run, a task achieved thanks to Gerstl’s contacts in Italy.
A Unique Ferrari Purchase
The purchase story of Schumacher’s 1997 Ferrari is itself unique. Zech discovered the car while visiting a new Ferrari garage in Dubai with his daughter. There, a chief salesperson, who spoke German, informed him about a Schumacher F1 car in a European collection slated for auction.
Zech showed interest but was initially hesitant due to the expected high price. However, after seeing a photo, he decided to buy it without viewing it in person. “Three days later, Schumacher’s car was in my garage,” Zech explained.
First Drives and Fan Reactions
The first drive of the revived 310B at the Jim Clark Revival in Hockenheim was an emotional moment for Zech, likening it to celebrating Easter and Christmas in one day. “Hockenheim is like a home event for me,” Zech stated, living just 30 kilometers away.
Following Hockenheim, the car was driven at Spielberg before captivating fans at Assen. Zech relished the enthusiastic fan reactions and hopes to return next year for more demonstrations.
Fulfilling a Boyhood Dream
Zech’s passion for Formula 1 began in his youth, watching Schumacher’s races and attending Grand Prix events in Hockenheim. The era held a special place for Zech, who admired the thrilling sound and excitement of the races.
Decades later, driving Schumacher’s Ferrari fulfilled a lifelong dream, allowing Zech to connect with his past and share the legendary car with new audiences. “It’s quite a cool story,” Zech concluded.
Erich Zech’s remarkable journey from a novice race car driver to piloting Schumacher’s Ferrari 310B at 80 is a testament to passion and determination.
His story not only revives a piece of F1 history but also inspires fans with the enduring spirit of motorsport.
