Race and classic pictures

A sole survivor is up for grabs in Abu Dhabi!

©RMSothebys

In conjunction with this weekend's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, RM Sotheby's is holding a major auction on this Saturday at Yas Marina that will include an expertly curated selection of Grand Prix cars.

The ground-breaking sale, the first of its kind to be conducted in the Middle-East, will feature two cars driven to race wins by Michael Schumacher, a Ferrari F2002 and a Benetton B192.

But another highlight of Saturday evening's auction could be the Scuderia's sole surviving 126 C2, a car driven to victory in the 1982 German Grand Prix by Patrick Tambay, and which sat on pole at Monza in the hands of Mario Andretti.

©RMSothebys

The stunning Harvey Postlethwaite designed prancing horse, powered by a 1.5-liter turbo engine, only missed out on winning the world championship because of the tragedy that befell its main drivers, Gilles Villeneuve and Didier Pironi.

According to Sotheby's, chassis '061' is "immaculately prepared and ready for immediate enjoyment by its fortunate new owner and would assuredly be a welcome and highly significant addition to any single-seater or competition-focused car collection".

It's hard to forecast at what price the hammer will fall for this legendary car, but opening bids are expected to come in at around $2 million.

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.

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