World Champions in Art, announces that the entire 32-­piece collection has been acquired by Sebastian Vettel

• Champions Collection for Champion Driver

World Champions in Art, the entity which was created to celebrate the achievement of all 32 of the FIA's world champion drivers in individual artistic depictions, is delighted to announce that the entire 32-­piece collection has been acquired by Sebastian Vettel, himself a four-­times World Champion.

Even before making his F1 début with BMW in 2007, Sebastian harboured a deep interest in the history of his chosen sport. His personal collection of sporting memorabilia already includes autographs of his 31 illustrious predecessors. Now he is the proud possessor of the collection of champions' images created by recognised international artist Mark Dickens in collaboration with Keith Sutton of Sutton Images.

Mark Dickens' involvement in the sport dates back to 2009.  After he had been commissioned by Abu Dhabi Motorsport Management to commemorate the opening of the new Yas Marina circuit, his work came to the attention of F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone.  Mr Ecclestone then commissioned him to create a series of paintings, one for each of that year's Grand Prix rounds. The commission brought together the high-­tension world of Formula One with the architectural and cultural dynamism of each host city.

The images of the champion drivers have been produced in Dickens' trademark style. He uses mixed media, building layer upon layer of photographic transfers, hand­made paper, gold leaf, fabric, resin paint and text. 

As an integral part of each painting, drivers and leading motorsport personalities were asked to express in their own words what made their chosen World Champion special. The quotes have been incorporated by Mark into each painting, providing a fascinating insight into what each driver represented to those who knew him or were inspired by him.  *See attached page  (Each person who agreed to write a quote will be given a limited edition print as agreed).

Sebastian Vettel:

“I have long held an interest in the history of Formula 1 and the champions of this sport.

When I first heard of this project from Keith Sutton three years ago I was fascinated, but it wasn’t until I saw the completed original art works in London last December that I realised how impressive they are.

The addition of the quotes collected by Keith from so many different motorsport figures gives a great insight into the champions. I know I will appreciate these works for years to come.”

Bernie Ecclestone:

"I first became aware of Mark Dickens work in 2009. In 2011 I commissioned Mark to create 19 paintings, showcasing each of that years’ races. The following year we presented each painting to the respective promoter.

I was delighted to see that Mark had teamed up with Keith Sutton to collaborate on this new series. World Champions in Art.

There has never been a collaboration like this before.

I've known Keith Sutton since he started his career in Motorsport photography almost 40 years ago. He has demonstrated to me his enduring passion for the history of the sport.

Now that Sebastian has acquired the collection of 32 World champions how appropriate it is to know that the works now belong to a World Champion."

Keith Sutton:

"I was delighted to be involved in such a unique project, the likes of which will never be repeated.

I would like to send my heartfelt thanks to everyone that helped to make this possible. To all the 215 motorsport personalities from drivers, team principals, team managers, journalists and photographers to current F1 drivers and past drivers who gave hand written quotes and of course the artist Mark Dickens whose unique style complimented the images from the Phipps/Sutton Images Collection.”

Mark Dickens:

“It has been a pleasure to collaborate with Keith Sutton on this project.

I first approached Keith about my idea to realise this project some 3 years ago. He was delighted to be part of this historic series of Artworks and Quotes.

It’s a proud day for me to know that the 32 paintings now belong to a great World Champion.

In addition to the 32 paintings, we produced a painting about Bernie Ecclestone with the sale proceeds going to Great Ormond Street Hospital. There will be a cheque presented to the charity at Silverstone during the British GP this week."

Featured Quotes

A selection of some of the quotes featured in the World Champions in Art Collection:

“For me, Juan Manuel Fangio will always be the greatest Formula One driver. A man of enormous talent, humility, honesty, honour and integrity. A man I admired.  It was an honour to compete against him and an even greater honour to become his teammate.  He was a wonderful friend and teacher.  It has been my pleasure to follow him on the track and in life.”

Sir Stirling Moss OBE

“As a child in the 1960’s my Uncle took me to Brands Hatch and Silverstone to see the Grand Prix. His words were always ‘we’re going to see Jim Clark win’. Jim Clark was one of the all time great drivers and a true sportsman.  His driving style and still behind the wheel was supreme and silky smooth.  I never had the chance to meet him but its clear to me that he was a gentleman and a good human being. I was out at a rally with my Father when we heard that Jim Clark had died. I remember the moment and location to this day. The truly great so often die young.”

Martin Brundle, Former Formula One Driver, Sky F1 Commentator

James Hunt “Genius, Legend, Party Animal, Playboy……World Champion….Perfect!"

Kimi Raikkonen, 2007 F1 World Champion

“I have known a number of great drivers during my time in motorsport.  Some I raced against or drove for my team.  Others I have watched from the sidelines. Ferrari played a special part in my life, and I have always considered it as unfinished business.  Fernando Alonso must be feeling the same way after performing some great drives for the team. Michael Schumacher achieved in being part of an international team at Maranello much of what I had dreamt was possible.  I therefore nominate Michael Schumacher as being a special World Champion.”

John Surtees OBE, Four-time 500cc Motorcycle World Champion, Former Formula One World Champion in 1964

“I never really got on with Nelson (Piquet) that much.  Nelson was reasonably arrogant and ill mannered. Apart from that he was a lovely bloke.”

Alan Jones, F1 World Champion 1980

“Michael Schumacher – Steel on the outside but a soft heart to those who were part of the team. The ultimate professional who raised the bar in so many areas. Never finished a race fatigued, had a razor sharp mind and a huge driving talent. Not hard to see why he won seven World Championships. Nobody who worked with Michael has a bad word to say about him – The Ultimate Accolade?”

Ross Brawn, Team Principal Mercedes 2013

“Jochen Rindt was a pure racer. He became a true inspiration when I was becoming a man. He was a lunatic in a very positive way, seeking out for any possible challenge on 4 wheels. His loss was tragic as he had so much more to give to Formula 1. He was a great champion. Shame I never met him!”

Sebastian Vettel,Formula One Four-Time World Champion

Citroen gets set for another dominating year in the World Touring Car Championships for 2016.

The 2016 World Touring Car Championship begins at the Paul Ricard Circuit, a happy hunting ground for Citroën Total. For the final season of its track racing adventure, the two-time World Championship winning team is lining up two Citroën C-Elysée WTCCs on the grid, with José María López and Yvan Muller at the wheel. The Argentine and the Frenchman, who between them have claimed six of the last eight titles will be looking to continue their winning streak.

As in 2014, the FIA World Touring Car Championship gets under way at the majestic Paul Ricard Circuit. After a four-month hiatus, which the teams spent fine-tuning their cars, the moment of truth has arrived.

By claiming 92% of the pole positions and 81% of the race wins over the last two seasons, Citroën Total has made itself the team to beat. As the aggressive new livery of the Citroën C-Elysée WTCC shows, the team will be fighting hard to retain that status in 2016.

To do so, they will have to overcome regulations designed to handicap the reigning World Champion manufacturer. The Citroën cars will carry 80 kg of ballast in the first two meetings of the season, before a rebalancing based on results. Other changes that will force the team to adapt its strategy include the reverse grid for the opening race and the MAC3 (Manufacturers Against the Clock) contest to be held after qualifying.

Over the winter, the engineers and drivers worked on some subtle technical improvements. The most visible are in the car’s aerodynamics, with a redesigned front end. Citroën Racing is also counting on its finely honed knowledge of the car and the range of setups available, as well as the healthy rivalry between José María López and Yvan Muller, to help it fulfil its potential. More than ever, team spirit will be crucial to success.

Team spirit is a quality shared by the drivers of the three cars competing for Sébastien Loeb Racing. In his second season in a Citroën C-Elysée WTCC, Mehdi Bennani will be setting the standard for Tom Chilton and Grégoire Demoustier. All three will be competing in the WTCC Trophy, which is for private drivers only. 

QUOTE, UNQUOTE

Yves Matton (Team Principal, Citroën Racing): “With several big-name drivers switching teams and a new manufacturer in the mix, this FIA WTCC season looks set to be open and closely contested. We are delighted about that, but we will still be aiming to claim as many wins as we possibly can and to retain our Manufacturers and Drivers titles! Our team also has a new look, with two official Citroën C-Elysée WTCCs and three private cars. Alongside Pechito and Yvan, we will be counting on Mehdi, Tom and Grégoire to notch up plenty of points, both in MAC3 and in the races. Results in testing aren’t the be-all and end-all, but it is worth noting that we did clock the seven fastest times over eight sessions in Vallelunga. That was doubtless no accident, but testament to the work the whole team put in over the winter. I hope we leave the Paul Ricard Circuit with a convincing result: in other words, a win!”

José María López (Citroën C-Elysée WTCC No. 37): “I’m really excited about beginning a new season. It’s one of my favourite times of the year! After all the work we have done in recent months, the slate has been wiped clean and we can’t wait to see how we measure up against the competition. The only thing I know for sure is that we have put in some great work. But we’ll have to wait for qualifying, when everyone will put on new tyres at the same time, to get a real idea of the hierarchy. The 80 kg of ballast will certainly be a big handicap, and might cost us over a second a lap on some circuits. It’s going to be tough, but we’re prepared for it. I am also really happy to be starting the season in France. It’s like a second home meeting for me! The team has fond memories of Paul Ricard, having won all four races we have competed in here. My win in 2014, when I recovered from last place, remains one of the best of my career!”

Yvan Muller (Citroën C-Elysée WTCC No. 68): “I haven’t competed for four months. That’s too long for me! I can’t wait to get back behind the wheel of my Citroën C-Elysée WTCC forweekend. We don’t know yet how good our rivals are, but we will definitely suffer during the first two meetings. Any predictions at this stage are based solely on speculation. A win might be hard to achieve, but we need to do the best we can and see how the pecking order stands. Like the whole team, I am always enthusiastic about coming back to Paul Ricard. In the eighties, I used to come and watch the F1 Grand Prix from the stands, and this is where I took part in my first single-seater race back in 1988! Since then, I think I’ve driven on every track layout and in every kind of car!”