The 1994 Imola Grand Prix is among the darkest chapters in Formula 1 history. Every fan of the sport can recall that the legendary Ayrton Senna was killed on 1 May '94 in a tragic accident in the early stages of the race. A day earlier, Austrian Roland Ratzenberger (33) crashed during qualifying at the same circuit. The Simtek driver was killed almost instantly.
In the hearts of - certainly Brazilian - motorsport fans, Senna lives on to this day. Nor has Ratzenberger been forgotten. A documentary series has now been made about the Austrian, which is free for all to watch on YouTube. In this series, his parents and others including Franz Tost (former team boss) and Karl Wendlinger (ex-F1 driver), look back on Ratzenberger's career.
Formula 1 was Ratzenberger's dream
The series reveals that Ratzenberger was extremely ambitious and went all out to realise his ultimate dream: racing in Formula 1. That opportunity finally came, in 1994 with the Simtek-Ford team. In the opening race of the season, Ratzenberger did not manage to qualify for the Grand Prix. He did qualify one race later at the Pacific Grand Prix). In the end, Ratzenberger crossed the line in 11th place in Japan, five behind the winner.
Ratzenberger's third Grand Prix weekend involvement was Ratzenberger's last in hindsight. In qualifying, the Austrian had a spin in the Acque Minerali chicane. Ratzenberger was under the impression there was no damage to his Simtek, so he continued. In reality, there was, to the front wing. The moment Ratzenberger entered the high-downforce Villeneuve corner, his car's wing broke, and the Simtek became uncontrollable. The Austrian had no chance of surviving the impact to the wall.
I remember that weekend like it was yesterday, I was 17. We didn't get all the practice sessions live like we do now and there wasn't the instant internet news like now. When I 1st saw the accident I knew he was dead instantly, which if he were declared dead on track the event would have been cancelled.
Legendary F1 photographer Mark Sutton was good mates with Roland and says he was just so excited and thrilled when he made it to F1, and that he was just a lovely bloke.
Rest in Speed Roland!
I remember that weekend extremely well.
First the tremendous crash from Barrichello on Friday. It's a miracle he walked away with minor injuries.
Saturday Ratzenberger. I remember looking at his head after the crash and realized that he might not survive this. That was horrible to watch.
Came Sunday and the scary crash at the start of the race injuring several spectators. Moments later, it was Senna's turn, horrific!
If we think about it, F1 has come a long way since in terms of safety.
Kubica, to only name one example, would probably not have survived the crash he had in Canada 2007 without the safety measures the FIA started taking after that horrifying weekend back in 1994.
Despite of everything, we have to acknowledge that the FIA has done a great job in this regard.
What a tragic weekend. A few years ago when I learned there was another death the day before Senna's I was shocked. As a third driver surviving that weekend I don't know how you keep on driving. Truly scarring.
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