17 years is a very long time. In fact, seventeen years ago today I was merely a two year old toddler. However, 1st May 1994 brings back disconcerting memories (if you can call them memories that is). This weekend 17 years ago remains the darkest day in Formula One history. A weekend which promised so much ended in unimaginable tragedy. In Friday qualifying, Rubens Barrichello's car flew inexplicably into the tyre wall at the Variante Bassa. To me, Rubens' violent impact with the wall, which saw his car turn upside down, looks the most harrowing crash from the weekend.
He was fortunate, though. The following day during Saturday's qualifying session, Roland Ratzenberger was killed after careering into the concrete wall at the Villeneuve curva. Roland damaged his front wing after an off the previous lap but instead of coming into the pits he stayed out. As he passed Tamburello and sped towards the Tosa hairpin his front wing broke off, sending it under his Simtek. He was unable to steer his car, and struck the concrete wall at almost 200mph.
We mustn't overlook Ratzenberger's fatal accident at Imola. However, Senna's stature within the sport makes this inevitable. I never saw Senna race, yet I consider him my idol. Why? He possessed all the attributes and qualities I believed a racing driver should have; commitment, charisma, spirit, ruthlessness, determination and above all, skill. Moreover, YouTube provided me, and many others, with countless clips of the great Brazilian in action, ensuring his legacy will always go on. Senna qualified on pole for the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix, his 65th in 161 races, and it seemed somewhat spooky that he was to die leading a Grand Prix. The cause of his fatal crash at Tamburello remains unresolved but to be honest, the cause of his death is insignificant; the sport had lost its greatest champion. There have been many death's in F1's 60 year history and sadly plenty of drivers who lost their lives have been forgotten in the midsts of time. But not Senna. He's still revered and respected. On May 1st, he will also be mourned and remembered.
Since that fatal weekend in 1994 there have been several terrifying racing accidents, yet Senna is still the last driver to have been killed at a Grand Prix. The sport, thankfully, is much, much safer these days. It is, however, so upsetting that Ratzenberger and Senna had to die to save so many. The accidents which befell Robert Kubica, Heikki Kovalainen and Mark Webber in recent years are testimony to that; all three suffered violent accidents but walked away scot free. Their survival is a poignant reminder to what F1 used to be.
I will be attending the 'Senna' film premiere on Tuesday, a month before the film is released. Having viewed the trailer numerous occasions as well as reading a few critical reviews, 'Senna' could well be one of the best film's of 2011. However, I just want to leave you with one final thought. For those driven by morbid curiosity, I assure you you will end up sobbing at your screen or even sickened by the sight of doctors fighting desperately for both mens' survival. Their lives should be respected and celebrated this weekend, not disturbed.
Josh.
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