From 28 August 2009 ING Belgium will offer its Formula 1 replica race car for sale on the auction site eBay. By selling this car ING wants to collect funds in aid of two charities: “L’Accueil Familial” and “VZW Hartekamp”. These organisations can expect some sound backing: in addition to the show car, original F1 parts and mini-helmets, gloves and caps will be auctioned, all of them signed by F1 star Fernando Alonso.
ING used the show car as global promotional material in the context of its title sponsorship. The car was built, mainly of fibreglass, according to the R25 Renault F1 car in which Fernando Alonso won his first world championship and Renault the constructors' world title. It is made in the colours of the 2008 ING Renault F1 team; the suspension and Bridgestone tires are original. The replica has no engine.
Vehicle specifications:Length - 4.7 metres Width - 1.8 metresHeight - 1.1 metres Wheelbase - 3.190 metresWeight - 250 kg
The auction started on 28 August at 8 a.m. on eBay, the day the ING Belgian Grand Prix in Francorchamps starts. It is scheduled to end on 6 September 2009. ING teamed up with eBay because of its security and international scope. Anyone with access to eBay can place a bid.
All Formula 1 items for auction are described in detail on ing.be/formula1, including pictures. By clicking on each of the items you will go directly to the eBay site. The show car will also be on display during the ING Belgian Grand Prix at the Hôtel de l’Eau Rouge in Francorchamps from 28 to 30 August.
The proceeds from the auction will be shared between two charities:
L’Accueil Familial: the association endeavours to place children whose parents are in difficulty with foster families. For their development, children need both their birth parents and their foster parents. The sale of the vehicle will allow the creation of a social fund to help such young people. VZW Hartekamp: an organisation which organises trips, weekends and summer camps for children who require daily medical care. It gives them an unforgettable holiday which boosts their energy, enables them to make discoveries, expands their boundaries and leaves them with lasting memories.
