On the 30th April 1994, Roland Ratzenberger died during qualifying for the San Marino Grand Prix.
On the 1st May 1994, Ayrton Senna died at the Imola circuit while leading the San Marino Grand Prix.
The Formula One we watch today is largely a result of these two legendary drivers. While Senna is the most famous, Ratzenberger was just as influential in the implementation of new safety measures and the re-formation of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association. While Formula One has always been at the very fore-front of technological innovation, the safety advances in the last 18 years have meant that there has not been a fatal accident for a driver in F1 since Senna's. Professor Sid Watkins, Senna's closest friend on-track helped very much in these safety transformations which include redesigned tracks, improved crash barriers and higher safety standards on the cars themselves.
Perhaps the most touching thing about this tragic weekend was the small furled Austrian flag that nurses at the hospital found hidden in the sleeve of Senna's driving overalls. We can conclude that he had intended to fly it from his cockpit after the race in order to dedicate the race to the memory of Roland Ratzenberger. Instead, millions of people lined the streets of Sao Paulo in order to commemorate Senna and collectively mourn his death, which many regarded as not only a personal tragedy, but a national loss.
On May Day, I seek to celebrate the differences that these two drivers made to their sport. It has been said that no better death could be imagined for racing drivers than doing what they love best. I, for one, cannot imagine Senna's death being broadcast over the news after a long battle with disease or illness. As it is, their contribution to the world of F1 is still very apparent today, as is the respect from every motor sport fan.
On the 1st May 1994, Ayrton Senna died at the Imola circuit while leading the San Marino Grand Prix.
The Formula One we watch today is largely a result of these two legendary drivers. While Senna is the most famous, Ratzenberger was just as influential in the implementation of new safety measures and the re-formation of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association. While Formula One has always been at the very fore-front of technological innovation, the safety advances in the last 18 years have meant that there has not been a fatal accident for a driver in F1 since Senna's. Professor Sid Watkins, Senna's closest friend on-track helped very much in these safety transformations which include redesigned tracks, improved crash barriers and higher safety standards on the cars themselves.
Perhaps the most touching thing about this tragic weekend was the small furled Austrian flag that nurses at the hospital found hidden in the sleeve of Senna's driving overalls. We can conclude that he had intended to fly it from his cockpit after the race in order to dedicate the race to the memory of Roland Ratzenberger. Instead, millions of people lined the streets of Sao Paulo in order to commemorate Senna and collectively mourn his death, which many regarded as not only a personal tragedy, but a national loss.
On May Day, I seek to celebrate the differences that these two drivers made to their sport. It has been said that no better death could be imagined for racing drivers than doing what they love best. I, for one, cannot imagine Senna's death being broadcast over the news after a long battle with disease or illness. As it is, their contribution to the world of F1 is still very apparent today, as is the respect from every motor sport fan.
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