Formula 1 has announced a new global multi-year partnership with RM Sotheby’s, the world’s largest auction house for investment-quality automobiles, which will harness the appeal of two of the world’s premium brands.

The focus in the first year of this ground-breaking collaboration will culminate at the season-ending Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2019, with a sale of significant cars and memorabilia which will form the Middle East’s first ever major international collector car auction.

The event will take place on the evening of November 30 at Yas Marina Circuit. The sale will focus on bringing together an expertly curated selection of significant Grand Prix racing single-seaters and road-going sports cars with a historical connection to the world of motorsport, alongside a broader collection of hand-picked, blue-chip classic and supercars.

The partnership is planned to grow in both scope and scale, providing F1 fans and collector car enthusiasts around the world the chance to acquire their own piece of motorsport and automotive history.
 
Sean Bratches, managing director commercial operations, Formula 1, said: “Everyone at Formula 1, along with our global community of fans, loves cars - old and new. The chance to work with RM Sotheby’s is a perfect marriage showcasing the beauty of classic cars alongside the most technologically advanced cars on the planet. And while not all of us can drive away with a priceless piece of automotive art, our collaboration gives all the race-goers the opportunity to see these beautiful cars up close over the race weekend. It is going to be another way to deliver on our promise of making the spectacle more spectacular.”

Maarten ten Holder, head of RM Sotheby’s Europe and chief auctioneer, said: “Formula 1 has an unrivalled track record for working with the some of the world’s most innovative and prestigious international companies. With its passionate global audience of over 560 million fans, and 21 events across five continents each year, F1 provides a unique platform for RM Sotheby’s and the wider Sotheby’s Group, to excite, entertain and engage with our global customer base of collectors. 2019 marks our 40th anniversary, and for us, there is no better way to celebrate this landmark year than by sharing our love of cars on the biggest stage possible.”

Al Tareq Al Ameri, CEO of Yas Marina Circuit, added: “Collector car and memorabilia interest in the region is growing, so hosting the collaboration’s first auction at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is perfectly timed. And of course, the collaboration represents yet another first as we continue to use our Grand Prix as a platform for innovation and fan engagement in Formula 1.” - TradeArabia News Service