Ferrari to mark Schumacher's 50th birthday with special exhibition

40

Ferrari will commemorate the 50th birthday of Michael Schumacher with a special exhibition set to take place in January in Maranello.

Between 1996 and 2006, Schumacher was the final link of a dream team that brought the Scuderia six Constructors' titles and five Drivers' crowns, and which forged the German driver's legend.

Schumacher retired from racing in 2012 after racing for three seasons with Mercedes, but tragedy ensued in December 2013 when the former driver suffered severe head injuries in a skiing accident that have left him out of the public eye ever since.

Marko 'never interested' in signing up Mick Schumacher

Ferrari will open the exhibition at its Museum in Maranello on January 3 2019.

"Michael has a special place in the history of Ferrari," said the Italian company in a statement.

"Between 1996 and 2006, he won five driver titles in a row (2000 to 2004) and made a significant contribution to the success of the Scuderia with six manufacturer titles in these years.

"The rooms of the museum are decorated with images from the unforgettable years that the seven-time world champion gave to all at Ferrari, and have created a legend that is greater than ever in the hearts of all fans."

©WRI

Schumacher's record of seven world titles and 93 race wins remains unsurpassed, although Lewis Hamilton is fast approaching the German ace's milestone achievements.

Details about Schumacher's condition emerged last week, and while the F1 great is confined to his home in Gland, Switzerland, it has been reported that he is neither" bedridden or living on tubes".

FIA president and former Ferrari boss Jean Todt regularly visits Schumacher, the Frenchman reveling last month that he even watched last November's Brazilian Grand Prix in the company of his former driver, although Todt offered no details on Schumacher's health or condition.

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

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.