Crash.net takes a look back at the tragic weekend at the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix and the impact it had on F1.
The events of 1994 changed Formula 1 forever as Roland Ratzenberger and Ayrton Senna tragically lost their lives at Imola.Benetton’s Michael Schumacher arrived in San Marino with a maximum 20 points to his name following back-to-back victories. Conversely, Senna failed to finish or score points in the opening two rounds as life at Williams started poorly following his switch from McLaren.
In the first of two qualifying sessions, Barrichello hit the kerb at the Variante Bassa corner on his second lap at 225 km/h, launching him into the air. F1 miraculously escaped its first tragic accident since 1982, but it had only escaped it for a day more.After failing to secure a drive with Jordan in 1991, Austrian driver Roland Ratzenberger made his F1 debut three years later for the Simtek outfit.
The strength of the crash forced the front wheel to penetrate his Simtek cockpit, leaving him with severe head injuries. "What else do you need to do? You have been world champion three times, you are obviously the quickest driver. Give it up and let's go fishing," Watkins told Senna after Ratzenberger's accident.
“Then on the next time through he did lose it. The car just touched the track with the rear skids, went a bit sideways, and then he just lost it.”The racing world had stopped, waiting for news, and it didn’t come.
Ayrton Senna F1 1994 Williams Michael Schumacher Roland Ratzenberger
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Ayrton Senna: The legend and his legacy, 30 years on from Imola 1994 tragedySky Sports F1 pays tribute to Ayrton Senna, one of the sport's most famous and iconic drivers, 30 years on from Imola 1994.
Read more »
Imola confirm special plans for Ayrton Senna and Roland Ratzenberger anniversaryImola will host a remembrance day to mark the 30th anniversary of the deaths of Ayrton Senna and Roland Ratzenberger...
Read more »
Ayrton Senna’s iconic Honda NSX up for sale for whopping £500,000One of Ayrton Senna's old cars have been put up for sale.
Read more »
Ayrton Senna’s iconic Honda NSX up for sale for giant six-figure feeOne of Ayrton Senna's old cars have been put up for sale.
Read more »
Ayrton Senna's 10 greatest Formula 1 racesThirty years on from his death while leading the 1994 San Marino GP at Imola, the almost mythical atmosphere surrounding three-time world champion Ayrton Senna is as intense and inspiring as ever. Here are his 10 greatest Formula 1 performances
Read more »
Bernie Ecclestone told Formula One would end after Ayrton Senna deathThe Brazilian died after a crash at the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix.
Read more »