RM Sotheby's and Formula 1 to team up for Abu Dhabi auction

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Classic car auction company RM Sothebys and Formula 1 will join forces in Abu Dhabi at the end of the 2019 season for an unprecedented auction of Grand Prix cars and memorabilia.

An exclusive selection of up to 50 valuable classic and F1 cars will come under hammer on November 30 during at the Yas Marina venue.

The event will also mark RM Sothebys first major auction in the Middle East, while the company's agreement with Formula 1 is based on a multi-year deal.

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"We are continually trying to engage fans in new and different ways and this is a natural extension of some of the efforts we have been employing," said F1 commercial boss Sean Bratches.

"The chance to work with RM Sotheby's is a perfect marriage to showcase the beauty of classic cars alongside some of the most technologically advanced cars on the planet.

"Race-goers will have the opportunity to see these beautiful cars up close over the Abu Dhabi race weekend."

RM Sothebys celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, a milestone representing a fitting backdrop for the glittering Abu Dhabi auction.

"F1 is one of the most prestigious sports brands in the world and it's great for us to be associated with Formula 1 and a great way to celebrate our landmark year," said Maarten ten Holder, head of RM Sotheby's Europe & chief auctioneer.

"The sale will include F1 race cars plus some modern and contemporary sportscars, such as the Ferrari F40 we have on show in the paddock today and classics from the 1960 that include Porsches and Aston Martins.

"F1 is about cars but also emotions and experiences and this new deal will be a great experience for fans as we'll showcase these cars at the Abu Dhabi GP."

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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.