Used Prost anyone?

So keen is Alain Prost to see the back of the recalcitrant Peugeot-powered AP03, he is offering one of them for sale via an internet auction at the end of the year.

The Frenchman was almost driven out of Formula One by the poor performance of his third grand prix chassis and, although his future has now been secured along with a supply of Ferrari engines next year, Prost is still looking to offload the pointless Y2K car.

The first of five AP03s built will consequently be offered for sale, minus its Peugeot engine, via sponsor Yahoo!'s internet auction arm, with all proceeds from the event being donated to UNICEF's aid programmes. The car was first used on the track by Nick Heidfeld in January, and has since been present at the team's official Barcelona launch and every grand prix of 2000. It has been driven by both Heidfeld and team-mate Jean Alesi in competition, and is currently in Japan for the penultimate round of the world championship.

"I am delighted that Yahoo! and Prost Grand Prix have launched the first ever Formula One car auction online," Prost said, "I am also proud that, thanks to this initiative, my team will be able to make a contribution to a worthy cause, by donating proceeds from the auction to UNICEF."

The sale will be open to all interested parties globally, although the 'winner' will have to make the trip to Prost's Guyancourt factory to collect the car. Shipping and handling, however, will be covered by event sponsor Calberson.

"Yahoo! Auctions and Prost Grand Prix are giving fans of both auto racing and auctions a rare chance to own a piece of auto racing history," explained Yahoo! brand manager Rich Godwin, "What race fan has not dreamed of owning the chassis of a Formula One car - Yahoo! Auctions is pleased to give our consumers a chance to reach the chequered flag in this auction."

Participants in the auction must first register at http://user.auctions.yahoo.com, with bidding open between 19-29 October.