FURNITURE store manager Jonathan McVay enjoyed life in the fast lane yesterday - emulating one of his sporting heroes.

The 36-year-old, from Northallerton, North Yorkshire, already bears more than a passing resemblance to German Formula One driver Michael Schumacher, below.

Yesterday, he took the likeness one step further when he took to the wheel of Schumacher's World Championship-winning Ferrari.

And although he and the car remained stationary, the crowds still did a double-take as they drooled over the red dream machine.

The car is the one that took Schumacher to the championship in the 2000 Formula One season and it was at the Massingberd VW Shell service station, in Northallerton, to give fans a chance to get up close.

The open day was part of a tour of Shell garages to introduce a performance unleaded petrol, Optimax, on the forecourts and to raise awareness among business users about the financial benefits of converting to environmentally friendly liquid petroleum gas.

"I love Formula One and Schumacher is a favourite of mine, so being him for the day is a bit odd," said Jonathan.

"I meet a lot of people in my job and I do get a lot of comments that I look like him.

"It is very rare that you can get this close to one of these cars, so I thought it was a great opportunity. I only wish I could take it for a spin."

The car will be at the Priory Cannon Park filling station, in Middlesbrough, this morning