Schumacher to keep 2012 Mercedes for collection

After contesting his 309th and final grand prix in Brazil late next month, Michael Schumacher will keep his ’Silberpfeil’.

Bild am Sonntag newspaper said Mercedes will give the W03 ’Silver Arrow’ to the great seven time world champion as a parting gift, before he makes room at the team for Lewis Hamilton in 2013.

The German newspaper said the ’step nose’ single seater is worth about EUR 1 million.

Asked which Mercedes he would choose for his private collection, Schumacher answered: "Definitely the one for Monaco."

He is referring to the car in which he topped qualifying earlier this year, even though he did not actually start the race from pole due to a grid penalty.

But doesn’t he think Mercedes’ 2012 car is too ugly for his prized and priceless collection?

Schumacher admits: "Visually, because of the bend in the nose, it does take some getting used to!"