Tag Archives: 2002

WHEN WE RODE RICKY CARMICHAEL’S 2002 WORKS CR250R TWO-STROKE: THE WEEKLY FEED

For 2002, Ricky Carmichael made a controversial swap to Honda. Some followers initially turned away, however as quickly as he began profitable, Ricky was as standard as ever. Mid-season, Honda gave us the chance to trip the works CR250R two-stroke that Ricky used to seize the Supercross championship that yr. It had been on show on the Hard Rock Cafe since RC gained Vegas. We additionally received to select the brains of Honda teamsters Chad Watts and Erik Kehoe, mechanic and supervisor, respectively, for Team Universal Studios Honda. We received a glimpse into the preferences of RC and the way a lot totally different his indoor sled is from his out of doors bike.

No doubt about it, Ricky Carmichael’s swap to Team Honda paid off. Despite his first-round DNF and one other nasty get-off at Pontiac, RC had a stellar Supercross season, profitable 11 mains, 12 heats and his second 250cc indoor title. He’s began off the out of doors season in dominating vogue, too, profitable 10 motos in a row. Yep, Honda must be happy, profitable its first indoor title since McGrath did it in ’96. The break between Mt. Morris and Southwick, was our alternative to trip Carmichael’s championship bike.

“My very first lap on the Honda at my supercross track at home,” mentioned Carmichael, “I set my all-time lap record. The bike is so stable I could go faster without working as hard.”

“Ricky took the bike home to Georgia,” mentioned Chad Watts, “and when it came back the bars were rotated down, almost to the tank! The steering head is taller on the CR, so Ricky wanted the bars lower and further back. It’s funny, Ricky uses the #999 McGrath-bend bars, and McGrath uses the Ricky bend.”

Sebastian Tortelli was RC’s teammate in 2002.

It additionally appears RC is quite a bit like former Team Honda star Jean-Michel Bayle in that, as soon as he finds the setting that works, he sticks with it. “He may want a click here or there, but the basic setup doesn’t change from track to track, race to race,” says Chad.

As for us, we had a troublesome time even driving the #4 Honda at Glen Helen’s Supercross observe. According to check pilot Spud Walters. “It’s like riding the world’s fastest minibike. His bars and levers are so weird that it actually hurt my clutch finger after a few laps. Actually, if you rotated the bars to the “normal” place, the levers could be good for old-schoolers. As for suspension settings, RC is very like MC in that he likes his bike very low within the again and the fork stiff, which makes the bike really feel like a chopper. And what might be extra steady than a chopper?

Just as McGrath likes his shock to settle and keep put, Carmichael takes the thought to new extremes. Give the Carmichael bike the seat-push check, and it’ll transfer an inch then cease chilly. Press more durable, and it presses again, refusing to budge. Likewise, carry the rear fender, and the rear wheel comes off of the bottom. There’s a lot compression and rebound damping within the works Showa shock that it seems like The Dead Zone. When it settles, it’s like having solely six or seven inches of journey left, and it virtually bottoms on the faces of jumps. It works for Ricky, although. Up entrance, the fork isn’t almost as damped because the shock, but it surely’s fairly darned stiff. Spud by no means bottomed it, because the O-ring indicator confirmed we had a very good inch of journey left. There’s no spike or mid-stroke harshness of any kind, and the bike turns extraordinarily effectively, regardless of being arrange for Ricky’s back-it-in driving fashion. “Ricky steers with the throttle and his hips,” mentioned Watts.

One factor is for certain, RC’s motor is as quick as his chassis settings are bizarre. The manufacturing facility Honda Gieken Asaka engine places out some 56 horsepower, equal to a KX500. Response is instantaneous, though it’s a little bit wealthy off of the very backside. It comes on within the decrease midrange and builds energy extraordinarily shortly into an eye-watering, white-knuckle top-end. It’s like being shot out of a cannon. And why not? The HGA crank, particular gearbox, handmade pipe, digital ignition, cylinder, head, works Mikuni carb and Delta V-Force reed work effectively collectively and accommodate Ricky’s whiskey-throttle hand. We appeared for a titanium throttle cable or one the dimensions of a clutch cable. Nope, Chad simply retains a watch on the OEM unit. He does use heavy-duty clutch springs to assist the motor take care of Ricky’s zealous left hand, although. Reliability is large with the brand new CR250R mill. “We use the same motor for five races,” mentioned Watts. “We’ve received these actually killer metallic containers, and I Fed-X them forwards and backwards between races.

Chad and the staff change frames and swingarms each 5 races, then they swap out the parts to staff observe bikes, thereby saving the brand new manufacturing facility bits for the race bikes. To additional decrease the again of the bike, Chad additionally cuts down RC’s subframe and makes particular cuts to the seat foam. “HGA also sends us seats, so Ricky has a choice from track to track.” As for tires, RC can be set in his methods. “No matter what, RC wants a 756 rear. Fronts are either a 739 or the factory 742,” Chad mentioned.

HGA radiators enhance cooling capability over inventory, so RC by no means has to fret about overheating, even on the hottest out of doors races. RC has by no means misplaced some extent from a flat tire as a result of he runs bib mousses indoors and out. Nor does he like the broader 2.5-inch rear rim for hard-packed tracks. Also, though he runs a large 280mm entrance disc, a 240mm rear disc and works Nissin master-cylinders and calipers. He likes a nylon brake line as an alternative of the manufacturing facility braided-steel ones. It’s additionally very free on the lever, a lot in order that it smacked Spud’s hand below braking. Hinson offers staff baskets and stress plates. Chad not too long ago did a motor that had 11-12 hours of racing and observe on it, and the basket’s tangs have been simply beginning to groove.

Yep, the Honda guys are stoked. RC goes sooner than ever, and now he’s driving pink. Cliff White did his homework effectively in organising a machine that RC would love, and the staff has gelled behind its new star. “When anyone at Team Honda wins, everyone gets a bonus,” added Chad. How are you able to beat that? You have a man who’s simple on gear, devoted to coaching like no different, pushed to win all the things in sight (together with observe) and so humble he doesn’t even run his #1 plate. And, for those who assume Honda’s latest successes are all because of Ricky, take into account that Sebastian Tortelli is commonly the quickest man on the observe, as soon as RC units it on cruise management. Tortelli is on the identical machine as Ricky and has produced a few 1-2s for the staff, so a few of that pace must be the bike. And the staff behind it.

Spud Walters was the DB check rider for RC’s bike.

MOTOCROSS SET UP
How RC’s MX trip differs from the SX bike

Speeds are greater and so are the temperatures throughout the out of doors season. Long earlier than this MX season began, Team Honda was testing in earnest. The powerband needed to be moved up and made wider, suspension settings needed to be finalized, as did steering geometry and ergonomics. Here are the issues that have been performed in another way when constructing RC’s out of doors bikes.

• Fork: Lighter damping and spring charges, fork dropped in triple clamps for extra high-speed stability.
• Holeshot system: Removed for the concrete start-pads of the MX sequence, as RC desires as a lot rear-wheel traction as doable.
• Handlebars: Rotates them ahead a little bit for extra front-end traction.
• Engine: More top-end energy and over-rev via revised cylinder and ignition settings.
• Gearing: Where RC runs 14/53-56 in supercross, relying on the observe and soil, he runs 14/50-53 outside. The wheelbase varies barely relying on sprocket alternative.
• Shock: Lighter damping and spring, linkage unchanged. • Maintenance: Watts swaps engines each 4 races as an alternative of 5.

EVS SOFT BALLISTIC PRO

Superior safety meets final consolation; the Ballistic Pro offers the perfect of each. The Ballistic Pro options RMF (Reactive Memory Foam) Technology that’s smooth and pliable in its pure state but stiffens when power is utilized to offer a protecting impression barrier. Perforated Air Mesh material permits air to move unimpeded whereas defending towards abrasion and daylight.

KEY FEATURES

  • Reactive Memory Foam (RMF) – Is smooth and pliable in its pure state however hardens when power is utilized, offering a protecting barrier
  • Air Mesh Perforated Fabric – Allows air to move unimpeded whereas nonetheless defending from abrasion and daylight
  • Race Collar Compatible – Fits EVS race collars and most neck braces. Integrated loop straps guarantee any EVS race collar stays in place throughout use
  • Compression Fit
  • Removable shoulder again and elbow guards
  • Chest meets CE 1621-3 requirements

S, M, L, XL, XXL, AND XXXL

Price: $ 219.99

MOOSE RACING SPARK PLUG RESISTOR COVERS

  • THIRTEEN DIFFERENT STYLES AVAILABLE TO FIT MOST APPLICATIONS
  • REPLACES NGK RESISTOR COVERS
  • CERAMIC RESISTORS THAT ENSURE PERFORMANCE
  • HIGH QUALITY DURABLE PHENOLIC RESINS
  • WATERPROOF CAPS FOR SUPERIOR PERFORMANCE
  • ALLOWABLE PLUG THREAD SIZE: 10MM, 12MM & 14MM
  • ALLOWABLE TERMINAL TYPE: STUD & NUT

Price : $ 5.99 – $7.99 Applications listed under

FASTWAY SPARK ARRESTOR 2024 KX450

The Fastway Spark Arrestor End Cap is designed as an environment friendly technique to convert your inventory muffler right into a U.S.F.S. accredited spark arrested muffler. When the spark arrestor screens should not required, resembling on the MX observe, merely take away two machine screws on every finish cap and take out the screens. Each finish cap is machined out of strong 6061 aluminum and anodized with a protecting end. Designed to shortly and simply convert inventory, 4-strokes and a few 2-strokes, to United States Forest Service (U.S.F.S.) accredited mufflers.

  • Precision engineered, manufactured, and assembled in the united statesA.
  • 6061 billet aluminum development
  • U.S.F.S. accredited

Price: $159.95

TWO-STROKE THEATER

Volkswagen R Will Become a Standalone Performance EV Brand

Volkswagen R began in 2002 with the Golf R32. Then the Passat R sedan/wagon got here alongside in 2008, adopted a 12 months later by the Scirocco R, whereas the Polo R WRC landed in 2013. In current years, “R” has even been used for warm variations of the Arteon and T-Roc, Tiguan, and Touareg SUVs. But in 2024, VW desires R to evolve into an impartial model.

The plan is to open a devoted Volkswagen R part on the Autostadt theme park in Wolfsburg. If you have not been there already, it’s a customer attraction positioned close to the corporate’s manufacturing unit, comparable in philosophy to the BMW Welt in Munich. Annually, about two million folks go to the Autostadt and its a number of pavilions devoted to VW Group manufacturers, from Skoda and SEAT to Audi and Lamborghini. An R pavilion spanning 1,076 sq. toes will be a part of them this summer season.

Volkswagen R

Fans of sizzling VWs may have the chance to take a look at idea automobiles and limited-run manufacturing fashions. Inevitably, there shall be electrical efficiency fashions on show. VW says the R lineup will regularly evolve within the coming years with amped-up EVs within the works. The course of has already began with the Touareg R—full with a plug-in hybrid V-6 powertrain.

However, there’s nonetheless life left within the ol’ inner combustion engine. The Golf R facelift is popping out this summer season however sadly with out a guide gearbox. That will not be such a dealbreaker in Europe the place the Mk8 was by no means provided with three pedals however the stick shift shall be missed by fanatics within the US.

VW’s choice to distance R (initially known as Volkswagen Individual GmbH) from the principle model began in 2020 when it grew to become a separate enterprise unit. Elsewhere inside the VW Group, SEAT went a step additional with its US-bound Cupra spin-off marque by introducing standalone fashions. Audi Sport can be a separate entity inside Audi.

2025 Volkswagen Golf R with camouflage

As to what the long run entails, VW has stated the ninth-gen Golf shall be completely electrical. Will that be the primary electrical R? Time will inform, however we’re seemingly going to see an electrical GTI first. Spicy EVs are already a part of the corporate’s portfolio for the reason that GTX fashions have extra energy, together with even the ID. Buzz GTX minivan.

In the meantime, R is doing higher than ever as greater than 35,000 automobiles had been produced in 2023, a report for the model. Since 2002, over 300,000 R-badged autos have been bought.

When Porsche Collaborated With Harley Davidson To Create An Unlikely One-Off

Summary

  • Harley-Davidson turned to Porsche in 2002 to unravel its bother discovering new consumers by creating a brand new V2 engine for its V-Rod mannequin.
  • The collaboration resulted within the delivery of the long-lasting V-Rod, a major divergence from Harley-Davidson’s conventional cruisers.
  • Although the V-Rod was discontinued by Harley-Davidson in 2018, it has gained worth and turn out to be a sought-after efficiency basic amongst fanatics.

Harley-Davidson together with its V-twins have a prolonged and affluent heritage in tandem, courting again to 1914 when the agency unveiled the F-head, the company’s initial big-bore twin. Whether it is the big Milwaukee-Eight or the mid-range Revolution X, the V-twin remains to be a mainstay for the corporate right now.

But as a lot as one loves bikes, it might be troublesome to discover a true gearhead who doesn’t additionally respect Porsche in relation to vehicles. Porsche started as an engineering firm that supplied its experience to others for a payment; although they’re most acknowledged for his or her sports activities automobiles.

Porsche partnered with different automakers in the course of the Eighties and Nineties. For occasion, the 190E 2.3-16 sports activities sedan is the results of a collaboration with Mercedes. Additionally, the model collaborated with Audi to provide the first high-performance Audi wagon, the RS2 Avant. However, Porsche has collaborated on initiatives exterior of automotive producers.

Imagine this: American heavyweight Harley-Davidson and Porsche, the top of German sophistication, working in tandem. As unusual because the match might sound, that is simply how issues occurred round 20 years in the past, at the beginning of the millennium. In an effort to do one thing a bit totally different with its V-twin again in 2002, Harley regarded to Porsche for help. The two companies had beforehand labored collectively, however their transatlantic collaboration within the early 2000s was going to have one of many largest historic results, giving rise to the V-Twin Racing Street Custom, or V-Rod.

Related

Here’s A Ducati-inspired Harley-Davidson V-Rod Overdosed On NOS

Hailing from Poland, this V-Rod is the definition of bonkers

In order to provide the latest and correct data attainable, the information used to compile this text was gathered from numerous sources like PorcheEngineering, RideApart and AutoEvolution.

Why The Harley-Porsche Partnership Came To Be

Harley Had A Lack Of Reliable, Affordable Motorcycles

Harley-Davidson was having trouble finding prospective buyers within the early 2000s. One of the principle issues was that Harley did not even have any moderately priced, reliable bikes. The American maker went to Porsche, a model that was beginning to turn out to be synonymous with high-quality efficiency engineering, in an try to unravel these points.

In 2002, growth accomplice Porsche Engineering created a brand new V2 engine for the American motorbike firm’s “V-Rod” mannequin, dubbed the “Revolution Engine.” For the maker, who’s extra famend for its Americana design, the mannequin opened up an entire new world. The V-Rod launched trendy, modern ideas to Harley moderately than relying solely on a model and a heritage.

Related

10 Discontinued Motorcycles That Need To Make A Comeback

From the Yamaha V-Max to the Harley-Davidson XR1200, the final 10 years have had some stunning discontinuations

All About The New Revolution Max Engine

The V-Rod Carried Two Critical Firsts For Harley-Davidson

Harley-Davidson-V-Rod-Night-Rod-Special-Custom
Harley-Davidson

Porsche engineers constructed a 1,131 cc water-cooled motor impressed by a race engine that impressed Harley-Davidson’s choosy clients with its highly effective sound and spectacular efficiency, one thing it took Harley years to replicate with its modern lineup. The VRSC-series Harley’s four-valve engine, DOHC valvetrain, with electronically regulated gas injection produces as much as 120 horsepower.

The Harley-Davidson V-Rod was a major divergence from the opposite fashions within the firm’s portfolio. Most notably, the ‘Revolution’ engine had twin overhead cams and was water-cooled — two important firsts for a Harley-Davidson. It’s sort of unusual to think about that Harley-Davidson’s first water-cooled engine was developed by Porsche, which was on the time acknowledged because the chief in high-performance air-cooled engines.

Porsche’s 911, and Boxster sports activities automobiles had only recently begun to make use of water-cooled engines themselves. But most critically, the brand new engine reached a max rev vary of 9,000 RPM. Porsche additionally put the engine by its famed Düsseldorf Test, which concerned operating the V-twin constantly for 500 hours, to show the engine’s sturdiness. There was by no means a reported engine failure.

Engine Specifications

Specification

Revolution Max Engine

Engine Capacity

1,131 cc

Engine Type

Liquid-cooled, 60-degree “V2” engine

Bore x Stroke

4.13 in × 2.835 in (104.9 mm × 72.0 mm)

Horsepower

120 HP

Torque

74 LB-FT

Transmission

5-speed

Final drive

Belt drive

Compression ratio

11.5:1

Related

Meet The V-Rod Destroyer – The Most Powerful Harley-Davidson Ever Sold

Harley-Davidson solely constructed 650 items of the VRXSE, one among which wants a brand new residence

Birth Of The Iconic V-Rod

Nothing Like A Harley Of That Time

2006 Harley-Davidson V-Rod parked
Mecum Auctions 

The engine was fitted on an all-new mannequin, the V-Rod. In phrases of look, the V-Rod was different from other Harley-Davidson cruisers. Firstly, it was constructed utilizing an aluminum swingarm and physique panels, and it was constructed on a fringe tube body that was akin to Ducati’s trellis body. The eccentric stable disc wheels, fashionable twin exhaust ideas, and oversize 38-degree rake angle set this bike other than most different Harley designs of the time.

The airbox was tucked away on the bike utilizing a false petrol tank that was positioned on prime of the chassis; the actual reservoir was beneath the seat. Rather than adhering to custom, this design was all about angle and look. The V-Rod did not need to be afraid to point out off its power, weight, and dimension.

2002 V-Rod Underpinnings

Specification

2002 Harley-Davidson V-Rod

Chassis

Perimeter tube body

Seat top

26 inches

Wheelbase

67.4 inches

Front suspension

49 mm telescopic forks

Rear suspension

Dual coil over adjustable shock

Front journey

3.9 inches

Rear journey

2.7 inches

Front brake

2x 292mm discs 4 piston calipers

Rear brake

Single 292mm disc 4 piston caliper

Front wheel

120/70 ZR-19

Rear wheel

180/55 ZR-18

Fuel capability

3.7 gallons

Weight

615 kilos (moist)

The firm’s experiment had two attainable outcomes: it may need established the brand new customary for all different Harley fashions, or it could have been a fleeting business failure. In reality, what occurred was neither of the 2. Instead, the V-Rod carved out a unique niche for itself.

Even whereas it did not enchantment to as many individuals as the opposite Milwaukee merchandise, it was nonetheless profitable sufficient to final for fifteen years, partly due to the popularity it acquired from the racing neighborhood. Based on the manufacturing V-Rod, Custom Vehicle Operations unveiled the drag-racing monster, often called the V-Rod Destroyer, to the strip in 2007. It accomplished the quarter-mile in 6.991 seconds, setting a brand new pace document.

Related

The Harley-Davidson Punisher Is A Night Rod Loaded With Carbon Fiber

Yet one other gorgeous customized Harley-Davidson from Switzerland

It Was Discontinued By Harley-Davidson In 2018

A 16-Year Run Helped Set The Way For Future H-D Models

2012 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Muscle
jgasal via Flickr

From 2002 till 2018, the Harley-Davidson V-Rod was supplied together with various beauty packages, such because the blacked-out Night Rod Special, along with the fundamental bike and Destroyer, and others from third party companies. But come 2018, Harley-Davidson revealed its official lineup which included 17 fashions, none amongst which was the V-Rod. Without a lot as a phrase of appreciation, the V-Rod was dropped from the roster, very like a worn-out boot that had fulfilled its job. At Harley’s, an period unexpectedly ended.

The V-Rod wasn’t precisely a catastrophe throughout its 16-year tenure, and it seems that some Harley riders are starting to worth it extra. The actuality is that each time Harley-Davidson introduces a brand new mannequin, a small group of conservatives at all times resist the change. However, over time, some individuals will at all times worth the mannequin and decide it as their favourite. With time, the V-Rod has gained worth and turn out to be a sought-after performance classic among Harley enthusiasts who need their bikes to have some kind of German flare.

Harley at present depends on its CVO portfolio to provide bikes which have a higher chunk. Though it could be gone, the V-Rod lives on. We will always remember the second Porsche created an engine particularly for a Harley-Davidson motorbike, although the mannequin might have vanished off the face of the planet with far much less fanfare than when it initially debuted.

2024 Lexus GX Pricing Revealed: Here’s How Much Each Trim Level Costs

Ever for the reason that first-generation Lexus GX made its debut in 2002, the Lexus GX sequence has solely been via a single main improve in 2015. It resulted within the variant at the moment on sale within the U.S., and even that variant is now eight years previous. In addition to the interior modifications, the 2024 Lexus GX is a markedly different-looking automobile in comparison with its predecessors. While retaining the basic Lexus GX silhouette, the 2024 Lexus GX seems way more up to date because of its squared-off, boxy look and more energizing design palette.

The 2024 GX can be larger than its predecessor, providing extra space for passengers and cargo. Inside, you may discover all the most recent Toyota/Lexus expertise, together with the intuitive Lexus Interface infotainment system. Despite updates, this can be a main leap from the earlier GX, which felt its age after being available in the market for practically a decade.

If you’re a potential 2024 Lexus GX purchaser, there are a few issues it’s best to know in regards to the totally different variants of the automobile. To start with, it needs to be famous that solely the Premium and Luxury variants of the automobile include normal third-row seats. The Overtrail variants, however, are provided solely in a two-row configuration with a passenger capability of 5 people. 

While we’ll reserve our last tackle the 2024 Lexus GX after we evaluate it, however there isn’t a denying that the automobile makes for an attention-grabbing choice for anybody searching for a succesful mid-sized SUV in 2024. 

Mini Says Fun Performance Cars Won’t Die In The Electric Era

John Cooper Works was introduced in 2002 as a dealer option for the new Mini Cooper, offering performance upgrades like a new exhaust and a remapped ECU. Recently, Mini’s JCW badge has become its full-on performance sub-brand, similar to BMW M, and it is set to continue even in the electric era.

Vice President of Mini Americas, Mike Peyton, and Global Head of Mini Product, Christian Wehner, are both firmly committed to retaining JCW as Mini embraces electrification.

2024 Mini Cooper Electric

Christian Wehner emphasizes the importance of JCW and the objective of introducing John Cooper Works into the electric era. Mike Peyton echoes this sentiment, hinting at the development of more performance-oriented EVs under JCW.

However, maintaining the trademark “go-kart” driving experience of Mini poses a challenge for JCW EVs due to the added weight of battery packs. Wehner explains that the focus is not solely on acceleration but on striking the right balance between power and agility.

“All electric cars have good acceleration,” he says, “but do all of these electric cars deliver go-kart fun? Definitely not. Because other things come into play, the weight of the car, the steering of the car, how it feels to sit in the car.”

2024 Mini Cooper Electric

Chris Sutton acknowledges the challenge of maintaining the distinct Mini driving experience in JCW EVs, highlighting the importance of finding the right balance to uphold the Mini brand’s identity.

While the arrival of JCW EVs signals the shift towards electrification, it does not mark the end of gas engines yet. Wehner explains that until the BMW Group achieves 50 percent electrification by 2030, the company will continue producing four combustion engines alongside four electric motors for upcoming JCW cars.

Mike Peyton notes that with the growing demand for gasoline JCWs, the transition to full electrification is still several years away, particularly in North America.

2024 Mini Cooper Electric

While it is known that manual Minis with combustion engines are on the decline, there is a possibility of offering manual options for JCW EVs. Chris Sutton expresses consideration for maintaining the manual experience in the context of electrification.

Iconic Michael Schumacher F1 Ferrari To Be Auctioned In Monterey

In an unprecedented opportunity, Sotheby’s will be auctioning off Michael Schumacher’s 2002 Australian Grand Prix-winning Ferrari F2001b. The chassis, known as 215, has an impeccable track record, having never finished outside of the podium positions throughout its racing career. This presents an exceptional chance to own a remarkable modern-era racing machine.

Ferrari F1 Car Driven By Michael Schumacher

Car of Michael Schumacher, Ferrari F2001b Chassis No. 215. Photo by: Jeremy Cliff

Last year, another one of Schumacher’s Ferrari F1 cars, the F2003-GA, was sold at a Sotheby’s auction for a staggering $14.9 million, setting a new record for the highest price ever achieved by an F1 car. It surpassed the previous record of $7.5 million set in 2017 when another one of Schumacher’s F1 cars, the F2001, was sold.

Schumacher utilized the F2001B during the first two races of the 2002 season and expressed his intentions for the new car, stating that it would be used only if it proved to be better and more reliable.

During the opening flyaways of the 2002 season, Schumacher drove this car to victory in the Australian Grand Prix. The event is famously remembered for the first-corner accident in which Ralf Schumacher’s Williams-BMW went airborne over the back of Michael’s teammate, Rubens Barrichello.

In a race full of incidents, Schumacher slipped down to fourth place but fought back, taking third position from Juan Pablo Montoya after the Colombian driver slid wide following a safety car restart. He inherited second place when Jarno Trulli spun out. The leader, David Coulthard of McLaren, went off track ahead of the second restart, allowing Montoya to regain the lead momentarily. However, Schumacher quickly overtook Montoya with an impressive move around the outside of Turn 2. From there, he pulled away from the field, winning the race with a comfortable 18.6-second margin over Montoya.

This victory marked the first of 11 wins for Schumacher on his way to securing his fifth Formula 1 World Championship in 2002.

Reflecting on the race, Schumacher said, “I did not think we could win here. But things change quickly, and from the next race, I expect it to be much closer.”

Ferrari team principal Jean Todt reminisces about this glorious era of F1 dominance and his fondness for working with Schumacher in this video:

Schumacher continued to drive this car to a third-place finish in Malaysia, despite a collision with Montoya that damaged the front wing. Starting from pole position, he made a pitstop at the end of the first lap and embarked on an impressive comeback drive from 21st place back to a podium position. Towards the end of the race, he overtook Jenson Button of BAR-Honda to secure third place.

Reflecting on the incident with Montoya, Schumacher remarked, “As far as the accident was concerned, maybe Juan could have given me more room, but he chose not to, and we just touched. That’s racing. It was only a little touch, but I had to pit to change the front wing.

“I decided to push right to the end, and if I had not, probably I would not have caught Button, who obviously had a problem. We have brought the old car to the first two races and did not really expect to have so many points in our account.”

The F2001b is equipped with a 3.0-liter Tipo 050 V10 engine designed by Gilles Simon. It can produce almost 900 horsepower at 18,500rpm and features an electro-hydraulic, seven-speed sequential gearbox. The car weighs just 1,323 pounds.

Ferrari F1 Car Driven By Michael Schumacher

Car of Michael Schumacher, Ferrari F2001b Chassis No. 215. Photo by: Jeremy Cliff

Ferrari 2001b Chassis 215, being one of the most coveted modern-era grand prix cars, will be available for purchase through the Sotheby’s Sealed platform. It will be showcased alongside the second of only five Zagato-bodied 1957 Ferrari 250 GT LWB Berlinetta Tour de France road cars at RM Sotheby’s flagship Monterey auction from August 16-19. Bidding for the F2001b will open on August 16, 12:00 pm PDT and close on August 19, 12:00 pm PDT.