Helmut MARKO SIGNED Red Bull AUTOGRAPH 12x8 Photo AFTAL COA

About the Item On offer here is a signed photo of Helmut MARKO . ---

Helmut Marko LL.D., (born 27 April 1943 in Graz, Austria) is an advisor to the Red Bull GmbH Formula One Teams and head of Red Bull's driver development program.

Himself a former racing driver, Marko was a school friend of Jochen Rindt, who was to become Formula One world champion in 1970. Marko competed in several race series, including 10 Formula One Grands Prix in 1971 and 1972, but scored no World Championship points.

He had more success in endurance racing, winning the 1971 24 Hours of Le Mans, driving a Martini-Porsche 917K with Gijs van Lennep. During that year, they set a distance record which remained unbeaten until the 2010 24 Hours of Le Mans (5,335.313 km, at an average of 222.304 km/h). (Changes to the track reduced the average speed.)

Despite being concerned about poor safety at the Targa Florio, he drove the fastest laps around the 72 km Sicilian mountain circuit in the 1972 race, catching up over two minutes on the leader within two laps to finish second by a mere 17 seconds. His fastest lap in the Alfa Romeo 33 was 33 min 41 sec, at an average of 128.253 km/h.

A few weeks later on 2 July, during the 1972 French Grand Prix at Clermont-Ferrand, a stone thrown up by Emerson Fittipaldi's Lotus pierced Marko's helmet visor, permanently blinding his left eye and ending his racing career.

Marko became a doctor of law in 1967.[5] He owns two hotels in Graz – the Schlossberghotel and Augartenhotel. He was manager for Austrian racing drivers Gerhard Berger and Karl Wendlinger for some years before setting up and running RSM Marko in 1989, a race team competing in Formula 3 and Formula 3000; running under the name Red Bull Junior Team from 1999 onwards. 

From 1999 he has also overseen the Red Bull driver development programme, which has steered drivers such as Sebastian Vettel, Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen into Formula One. Since 2005 he has been advisor to the Red Bull Racing Formula One team.

--- The signature is an original and authentic autograph given by the person listed above. The size of the photograph that has been signed is 12 x 8 inches. This is a standard size of photograph worldwide so you will easily be able to find a frame or mount for this item if you wish to. About the Certification The item comes with a COA (Certificate of Authenticity) from us ( Matrix Frames ). We are AFTAL Approved Dealer No. 81 What is AFTAL? The "Autograph Fair Trade Association Limited" (AFTAL) is a non-profit making body run for the benefit of its members and the general public, with a view to ensuring that the members can be relied upon to be trustworthy and duly qualified to perform their respective duties.  AFTAL are working together with the Police, Trading Standards, and Customs and Revenue officers to monitor and help stamp out the ever-growing problem of non-authentic signed memorabilia being sold and distributed throughout the UK. This item was obtained, in person, by us or on our behalf. About Shipping Once items have been paid for and funds cleared in our paypal/bank account (depended on method of payment), your item will be swiftly shipped to you. We will package the item safely and use the appropriate service (listed below) to get your item to you as soon as possible. Signed photos will be shipped in hard backed envelopes whilst items may be packaged in bags or boxes. Our chosen shipping company is the Royal Mail who we believe, provide the best service for shipping our products to you. Terms & Conditions Please ensure you have read all the details of the auction (above & below) and are happy to proceed before choosing to buy. Paypal is the quickest way to pay and will speed up the processing of your order. However, we also accept cheques and postal orders. We aim for 100% satisfaction with every transaction and will take relevant steps to ensure you are happy with the service, as well as your purchased item.