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'Last Of Its Kind' Porsche Driven By Legendary Driver At Le Mans To Hit Auction For Record-breaking £4m

AN ICONIC Porsche raced around by a legendary driver is set to go under the hammer for an eye-popping £4million.

The 1981 Porsche 917 K-81 is the last of its kind and was the last of the model to compete at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

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The last Porsche 917 K-81 to race at Le Mans is going to auction with upper estimates of £4.2millionCredit: mediadrumimages

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The motor was constructed by Le Mans-winning team Kremer RacingCredit: mediadrumimages

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The vehicle will go under the hammer at the Grimaldi Forum on May 10 and 11Credit: mediadrumimages

The gorgeous yellow motor was constructed by Le Mans-winning team Kremer Racing with full co-operation from Porsche AG.

After a fresh engine rebuild in 2019, the sleek racing vehicle has had limited use - giving it a clean and sharp aesthetic.

According to the listing on RM Sotheby's, the "fastidiously maintained and impeccably presented" motor would be a fitting "centrepiece for any appropriately discerning competition car collection."

The 917 K-81 will go under the hammer at RM Sotheby's Monaco auction at the Grimaldi Forum on May 10 and 11.

It is expected to fetch as much as £4,288,000.

It added: "In contrast to other era-defining designs such as the Alfa Romeo 8C, Jaguar D-Type or Porsche 956/962, the 917's racing career in its original coupé form was only fleeting.

"It involved less than three seasons and a mere 23 World Championship events.

"Remarkably, the car emerged victorious in 15, including wins at both Daytona and Le Mans in 1970 and again in 1971.

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"Rendered ineligible for international racing in 1972, the 917's legacy was further secured by two dominant seasons in the unrestricted North American Can-Am Championship, in which the Penske Racing team's 917/10 and 917/30 Spyders secured consecutive titles in 1972 and 1973, respectively.

"Nevertheless, the introduction of new fuel restrictions for 1974 heralded Porsche's withdrawal from the series, and after barely five seasons of top-flight competition, it appeared that the chapter had closed on arguably the most charismatic—and certainly the most coveted—of all Porsches."

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It comes after an odd F1 car once driven by an ex-world champion is going on sale for an eye-watering price.

The bizarre six-wheeled Tyrrell P34 replica is set to go under the hammer in May and is expected to make a whopping £544,000.

The P34 originally raced during the 1976 and 1977 seasons and this replica was made many years later in 2008.

As this particular model - owned by none other than racing legend Jody Scheckter - has never raced it's in "excellent condition."

The motor's peculiar six-wheeled design is the brainchild of Tyrrell technical director Derek Gardner.

He figured that he could package smaller wheels below the wing.

The second set of rubber would make up for the tinier size's reduced contact patch.

Read more on the Irish Sun

There would also be reduced drag compared to the air flowing over the taller tires competitors used.

It'll go up for auction in May at RM Sotheby's sale in Monaco, with an estimated price of £381,000 to £544,000.

Car auctions: What to know

Car auctions are a way to sell vehicles based on a bidding system with the highest offer securing the deal.

Auctions aren't restricted to the rich and famous as thousands of cars are sold at motor auctions in the UK each week.

Here's what you need to know before attending an auction:

Be prepared: Do your research on the car you would like to purchase beforehand.

Check the car: Cars will usually be lined up before the start, so make sure to arrive early to inspect the desired car thoroughly.

Have a back-up: Be ready for disappointment as your desired motor may be sold to someone else and select a few back-ups.

Be realistic: Realise that there won't be a "perfect" car at an auction and adjust expectations accordingly.

Set a budget: It is easy to overspend in the heat of the moment during bidding. Ensure you have set a budget and do not go over it.

Key phrases to look out for:

'No major mechanical faults' – suggests that there shouldn't be any issues with the car's drivetrain, gearbox, suspension, or engine. 

'Specified faults' – the auctioneer will read out specific faults.

'Sold as seen' – the vehicle is sold with any and all problems it may have. The auction company will rarely entertain complaints regarding the mechanical or cosmetic condition of these vehicles after sale.

'Sold with a warranted mileage' - The car is being offered based on the report, which confirms the mileage through an independent check.

6 Celebs You Never Knew Were Die-Hard Formula 1 Fans

Currently 40% of Formula 1 fans are female, contributing to a total 2023 season viewership of over 1.5bn.

The increase might have a bit to do with Netflix's "Drive to Survive", a docuseries tracking F1 teams that topped the streaming company's viewing rankings in 33 countries when it was released at the beginning of the 2022 season, according to Formula 1. Either way, the fans have been growing, and amongst them are a slew of celebrity names who you might never have known are die-hard Formula 1 fans.

With the Australian Grand Prix kicking of this weekend in Melbourne, we've rounded up all the F1 girlies who love to watch the likes of Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton fight it out for a podium – and all the events happening this weekend if you have the luck of attending.

Celebrities who love Formula 1 Celeste Barber

Aussie comedy Queen and Women's Health cover star Celeste Barber is another lover of Formula 1, even going as far as presenting Max Verstappen with the Pirelli Pole Position Award at the 2023 Australian Grand Prix. Barber has also been spotted in the Red Bull tent with her dad.

Max Verstappen presented with the Pirelli Pole Position trophy by Celeste Barber.

Kylie Minogue

Not only did Kylie Minogue perform at the Las Vegas Grand Prix Opening Ceremony last year, the star has popped up on the grid around the world, including attending previous Monaco and Singapore Grand Prix's.

Speaking to Star 2 in a telephone interview, Minogue shared her passion for Formula 1, explaining that she used to be puzzled every time she saw F1 fans staying up late just to watch cars "go round and round." But when her sister, Dannii Minogue, started dating Canadian Formula 1 driver Jacques Villeneuve two decades ago, the pop icon had the opportunity to see her first F1 race. She's never looked back.

"And then I got quite into the competitive nature of it and the soap opera of the different teams, the tactics and all of that, so now I understand it more and yeah, I think it's exciting."

Terry Crews and Kylie Minogue on the grid during the F1 Grand Prix of Las Vegas at on November 18, 2023 in Las Vegas, United States.

Jessica Hart

Another Aussie you'll often see in attendance at the F1 is self-confessed rev head Jessica Hart, who spent two days trackside with Mercedes, sharing behind the scenes details from the garages over the weekend.

"Growing up I had posters of cars on my walls instead of pop stars or boys, and I was lead to believe that it wasn't a good thing: being a girl and into cars. And I was like… f*ck it," said Jess.

Jessica Hart at The Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix on March 17, 2019, at The Melbourne Grand Prix Circuit in Albert Park, Australia.

Bec Judd

Not only has Australian model, television presenter, and wife of former Australian Football League player Chris Judd, Rebecca Judd, made quite a few Formula 1 appearances. She also loves to get the whole fam involved: a few years ago she proudly shared a sweet Instagram snap of her two-year-old twin sons, Tom and Darcy, at the Australian Grand Prix in Victoria wearing matching race car driving gear.

Rebecca Judd attends Glamour On The Grid ahead of the 2023 Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix at Albert Park Grand Prix.

Anne Hathaway

Anne Hathaway made it clear she had a passion for Formula 1 racing when she recently rubbed shoulders with Daniel Ricciardo at the Met Gala in New York City.

Hathaway admitted she was a "huge" Formula 1 fan when she gushed about her love of the sport to Ricciardo on the red carpet.

The clip of the two stars chatting immediately went viral as fans were delighted to see the merging of the two celebrity worlds play out onscreen, so perhaps we could see her in the paddock in the future.

Cameron Diaz

Cameron Diaz is another Hollywood star who is recognised for her love and passion for Formula 1, having attended multiple races and been spotted more than once interacting in the paddock, as well as on the grid in Monaco in the past.

A well-known petrolhead, her presence at Formula 1 races has been covered by media outlets and shared through social media. In interviews, Diaz has shared her fascination with the technology, strategy, and high-speed action that make Formula 1 so captivating.

FIA Formula 1 World Championship 2013, Grand Prix of Monaco, Actress Cameron Diaz.

Full 2024 F1 Schedule

Beginning with the Bahrain Grand Prix on March 3 and finishing with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on December 9, the 2024 F1 season will be the biggest ever, with a record 24 races on the schedule.

Joining the calendar is the Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai, which hasn't been held since 2019 due to COVID complications, and the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in Bologna, Italy, which was cancelled in 2023 due to extensive flooding in the region.

The Drivers

The 2024 F1 grid remains entirely unchanged from the end of last season. And with the exception of Daniel Ricciardo replacing Nyck de Vries at RB, the grid looks exactly the same as it did at the start of 2023:

Red Bull Racing: Max Verstappen, Sergio PerezFerrari: Charles Leclerc, Carlos SainzMercedes: Lewis Hamilton, George RussellMcLaren: Lando Norris, Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso, Lance StrollRB (formerly AlphaTauri): Daniel Ricciardo, Yuki TsunodaAlpine: Pierre Gasly, Esteban OconSauber (formerly Alfa Romeo): Valtteri Bottas, Zhou GuanyuHaas: Kevin Magnussen, Nico HulkenbergWilliams: Alex Albon, Logan Sargeant

Charlotte Tilbury and the F1 Academy

Beauty mogul Charlotte Tilbury has been announced as an official partner of the F1 Academy, spotlighting the exceptional female drivers, such as French native Lola Lovinfosse. The sponsorship aims to nurture the drivers' careers and highlight their achievements to inspire broader awareness of the opportunities within this amazing sport for women.

Launched in 2023, the F1 Academy is an ambitious new project from Formula 1 to develop and prepare female drivers to progress to higher levels of competition. The category is designed to give drivers access to more track time, racing and testing, as well as support with technical, physical, and mental preparations. It will provide young talent in junior categories with access to the fundamental level of experience needed to progress to Formula 3 and join the Road to F1.

5 things to do at the Australia GP (other than watch the race)

At the circuit there will be a number of popups you can check out offering immersive experiences and delicious bites.

1. Visit the Lune and Espy Pop-Up

In the Fan Zone, Lune Croissanterie will bring the scent of fresh croissants to Albert Park, with the range of classic croissants to be baked on-site each day. Nearby to Lune and another first-time addition to the Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit will be The Espy, a replica of the iconic St. Kilda Esplanade Hotel. Located in the Fan Zone, alongside the infamous Melbourne Walk, the bar will be complete with reproductions of the original venue's mural, stained glass features and façade.

2. Artist lineup

The Crown Main Stage will be the place to be after the racing wraps up daily: Offering an array of Australian musical talent in rock, pop and EDM music, night one – Friday, 22 March – will be led by 'I Said Hi' singer Amy Shark. She'll be joined by Melbourne electronic music favourites Northeast Party House and DJ Jake Webb.

The following night, 'Are You Gonna Be My Girl' rockers Jet take the stage alongside Vanessa Amorosi, who will bring 'Absolutely Everybody' to their feet after a performance from Yo! Mafia. Empire Of The Sun will close the weekend with a DJ set. They'll follow 'My People' outfit, The Presets, offering their signature live show and DJ Emma Peters.

3. Experience the fashion and beauty pop-ups

Mecca Maxima will be hosting an epic Beauty Pit Stop Station for an express graphic eye look using their Zoom eye collection (and a sneak peek of their April launch!). Elsewhere La Roche-Posay and Ralph Lauren will be hosting installations where you can check out their latest products like the new POLO RED PARFUM fragrance.

4. Williams Racing Fan Zone

The Williams Racing Fan Zone will bring F1 to the heart of Melbourne city and give you the chance to interact with the Williams Racing drivers and the team. There will also be the opportunity to purchase exclusive Williams Racing and Australian Grand Prix merchandise.

5. Wine tasting with Valteri Bottas

Melbourne's iconic Botswana Butchery is hosting a ticketed dinner this evening where you can indulge in an amazing 4-course menu alongside Valtteri Bottas. Featuring a Q&A with Bottas & Corrina Wright, you'll learn the origins of Oliver's Taranga wines.

Where can you watch F1 in Australia?

Every practice, qualifying session and Grand Prix of the 2024 F1 season will be broadcast live in 4K on Fox Sports and Foxtel Now. All races can also be streamed live and on-demand on Kayo.

Australian Grand Prix session schedule

The Australian Grand Prix will start with the Practice 1 race on Friday, 22 March (12:30 PM AEST). This hour-long race will be followed by a second practice race, named Practice 2, later that day (4:00 PM AEST).

On Saturday, 23 March, a third practice session, called the Practice 3 race, will begin at 12:30 PM AEST . Later that day, the drivers will roll out on the Melbourne-based circuit for the qualifying race at 4:00 PM AEST. The result of this qualifying race will set the grid for the main event.

The final or the main race of the Australian Grand Prix 2024 will take place on Sunday, 24 March at 3 PM AEST.

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2024 Formula 1 Driver Standings

1. Max Verstappen, Netherlands, Red Bull Racing, 51 points.

2. Sergio Perez, Mexico, Red Bull Racing, 36.

3. Charles Leclerc, Monaco, Ferrari, 28.

4. George Russell, Great Britain, Mercedes, 18.

5. Oscar Piastri, Australia, McLaren, 16.

6. Carlos Sainz Jr, Spain, Ferrari, 15.

7. Fernando Alonso, Spain, Aston Martin, 12.

8. Lando Norris, Great Britain, McLaren, 12.

9. Lewis Hamilton, Great Britain, Mercedes, 8.

10. Oliver Bearman, Great Britain, Ferrari, 6.

11. Nico Hulkenberg, Germany, Haas, 1.

12. Lance Stroll, Canada, Aston Martin, 1.

AP

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