Prost AP02 (1999). A Peugeot V10-powered F1 for sale

This 1999 F1 Prost-Peugeot AP02 will be put on sale.

A Prost-Peugeot AP02 single-seater, driven by Olivier Panis during the 1999 F1 World Championship, will be auctioned on November 19, 2021 at Le Castellet. An unfortunate competitor in competition, the car bears witness to a difficult French adventure in F1.

This Friday, November 19, the house RM Sotheby’s is organizing an exceptional auction on the Paul-Ricard circuit for (wealthy) fans of sports and competition cars. Among the lots, all from the Guikas collection, is a replica of the Renault-Alpine A442B victorious at Le Mans in 1978, as well as a F1 Prost-Peugeot AP02 from 1999 driven in the race by Olivier Panis. The latter will be offered without a reserve price.

Prost AP02 spoiler — This chassis n ° 3 ran four times in the hands of Olivier Panis.

A 100% French F1

The Prost Grand Prix team, founded and managed by Alain Prost following the takeover of the Ligier team, was active between 1997 and 2001. After a contested first season with a Ligier chassis and a Mugen-Honda engine, Prost presented in 1998 the AP01 powered by Peugeot, marking the start of a partnership that would last until 2000. The AP02 therefore saw the light of day in the heyday of naturally aspirated V10 engines. Animated by a block of 3.0 l of displacement, the single-seater develops approximately 800 hp, and its red zone peaks at 17,000 rpm.

Prost AP02 circuit — After the competition, this AP02 was exhibited at various events.

Prost AP02 tires — It’s a Peugeot V10 that sits under the hood of the 1999 Prost AP02.

The two racing drivers of the team were Jarno Trulli and Olivier Panis. The latter drove the single-seater in question here, chassis n ° 3, during the first four races of the 1999 championship. But three of them ended with the French driver withdrawing. Panis nevertheless obtained a remarkable 6^e place in Brazil. The “prize list” of this Prost AP02 is one of the many disappointed hopes of the Prost-Peugeot adventure in F1.

Without glory, history remains

Once “retired”, the AP02 referred to here was used for promotional purposes. It was notably repainted in the colors of the 2000 AP03 and bears the names of the sponsors who supported the Prost-Acer team in 2001. It is sold as a rolling chassis with bodywork but accompanied by its Peugeot engine, of its gearbox and spare parts. It is estimated between 500,000 and 600,000 €.