Was Michael Schumacher faster than a fighter jet?

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On this day in 2003, to mark 100 years of manned flight and also the 50^th anniversary of the passing of Italian ace Tazio Nuvolari, Michael Schumacher was pitted against a Eurofighter Typhoon at the Baccarini military airport in Italy.

The pair dueled over three distances – 600, 900 and 1200 meters.

Schumacher’s Ferrari’s F2003 – which reached a top speed of 370km/h – held the edge over the shorter run, but lost out to the jet fighter on the longer distances.

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.