Ayrton Senna rush to Ratzenberger crash scene - 24h before his death

Ayrton Senna rush to Ratzenberger crash scene - 24h before his death

30 April 1994, warm day at Imola Circuit

Austrian Roland Ratzenberger died from injuries suffered in a 190mph crash during final practice. His Simtek-Ford slid off as he came down the straight from Tamburello and crashed heavily into the wall alongside the track. He was given heart massage at the scene before being rushed to hospital by helicopter, but died soon after arrival. Rubens Barrichello crashed his Jordan-Hart at the circuit only 24 hours earlier, but he escaped without serious injury.

A stunned Simtek team paid tribute to Roland Ratzenberger following his death after a practice crash. A team statement described him as a "highly accomplished and successful driver...a true all-rounder, whose brave style will be sadly missed." Ratzenberger had worked for 13 years to earn a seat in Formula One and made his race debut at the recent Pacific GP in Japan. His earlier career involved stints in the British Formula Three and Japanese Group C Championships.

Britain's Johnny Herbert said he was deeply saddened by the death of Roland Ratzenberger. The Lotus Mugen-Honda driver said: "He will be sorely missed by the many friends who enjoyed his company." Herbert, who affectionately knew the Austrian as 'The Rat' added: "He had an infectious sense of humour and worked for everything he achieved in motor racing. I am greatly saddened by the loss of a friend."

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• Ayrton Senna
• Imola
• San Marino
• Ratzenberger
• Ratzenberger crash
• Formula 1
• Racing
• F1

[FlyingBoxHead]

Somebody needs to get this retarded troll 'swallowAyrtonSenna' off of YouTube.He's REALLY on my and many other's nerves.

[33unholy]

2 incredable drivers die in 2 days R.I.P Senna and Ratzenberger:(

[ninchin2]

@FlyingBoxHead Agreed

[azapro911]

@TheColinChapman Bit politically insensitive to choose Lehto as the example here, as he's now in jail for accidentally killing a friend. But point taken. My only problem was that at a time like this, all they gave a damn about was protocol. Commandeering a medical car, I can see how that was a big issue. But missing the press conference? In those circumstances?! Utterly rediculous and thankfully a rare moment of common sense shone through.

[TheColinChapman]

@azapro911 I think they were right about reprimanding him. What if every driver would have reacted that way? You would have 25 drivers heading for official cars to rush to 'help'. If - let's say - JJ Lehto would have taken the safety car to watch the scenery of Roland's accident, would you also say - hey, what a hero? probably not. You'd say - why the hell does this guy not let the professionals do their job? - To me this says that Ayrton believed that rules were something others need to obey.

[FlyingBoxHead]

@Slu4ainika There's having an opinion and being a total ass.

[Slu4ainika]

@FlyingBoxHead Why ? Senna was not god, he was great but just another driver. People always overreact because Senna died. If he was alive nowadays (sadly he is not) people like you would have never even turned attention at dudes like swallowAyrtonSenna :) The dude just dont like Senna so it's his opinion and you must respect it.

[FlyingBoxHead]

@stellpoons And he's not my hero either,that's Mika Häkkinen.

[FlyingBoxHead]

@stellpoons I just mean the way he posts it,it's just so undignified.

[stellpoons]

@FlyingBoxHead Believe me i think senna is one of the greatest talents to ever touch a steering wheel but that doesnt put him above reproach. The guy had his flaws and all i see on the channel you say is trolling is quite fair coverage of most things that happen through his career.

So if seing the flaws of your hero is to much to bare dont hate the guy that posts the video.

[FlyingBoxHead]

@stellpoons Just respect those that have since passed.

[stellpoons]

@FlyingBoxHead let me guess your a senna fan boy