Former Michael Schumacher Benetton B-191 F1 Race Car Up For Auction At Bonhams Spa Classic

Michael Schumacher's Benetton B-191 F1 race car will be auctioned at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit in Belgium on May 21. This is the same race car that competed in the 1991 F1 World Championship and was driven by 2 world champions.

Bonhams Spa Classic will be hosting an auction next month in Belgium. Among the highlights of that event was the F1 race car driven initially by Roberto Moreno and also Michael Schumacher.

The F1 car was originally introduced back in 1991 at the San Marino Gran Prix. And following Moreno, the Benetton B-191 was then turned over to Nelson Piquet. This three-time world champion won the Montreal race during the Canadian Grand Prix when leader Nigel Mansell slowed down to wave to the crowd, thus stalling his car's engine.

This was the only victory won with this car. But it finished 5th at the British Grand Prix and 8th at the French GP.

Then a young rookie race car driver, Michael Schumacher got the opportunity to race with the Benetton B-191 F1 race car during his first season in Formula 1. A year later, the B-191 was then upgraded to B-191B specification for the season's first 3 races. And this F1 race car was turned over to Martin Brundle.

Later, by the end of the 1992 season, the B-191 was retired and became a museum exhibit. When in 2016, the F1 race car was fully restored to as-new condition, although updated safety features were added per FIA. A team of Formula 1 specialist was tasked to overhaul the engine, chassis, and the F1 car's gearbox, ensuring that the Michael Schumacher's Benetton B-191 F1 race car was in "excellent running order."

Thanks to its carbon composite monocoque chassis, the F1 race car only weighs 505 kg. Under the hood of the Benetton B-191 F1 race car is Ford's Cosworth 3.5-liter V8 engine that delivers 650 horses at 13000 rpm.

Estimated to be priced around $814,500 and $1 million (€750,000 and €950,000), Michael Schumacher's Benetton B-191 F1 race car will surely be the bell of the ball at the auction on May 21. This is no ordinary race car and it is still in "excellent running order."