“Remembering Roland Ratzenberger”

When Roland Ratzenberger crashed brutally during qualifying for the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix, Formula One was forced to face mortality for the first time in eight years, but the death the following day of Ayrton Senna cast a shadow over Ratzenberger’s tragedy. Twenty years on, Ratzenberger’s memory breathes, as does his legacy. Leigh O’Gorman spoke to the drivers who raced against and knew him, as they remember Roland Ratzenberger – Formula One’s forgotten man.

“Meanwhile, at the Weekend: Vettel wins the Bahrain GP; Leimer and Bird take GP2 glory; Sato takes first IndyCar win; Munoz triumphs at Long Beach; Cammish makes it six from six at Donington”

"Meanwhile, at the Weekend: Vettel wins the Bahrain GP; Leimer and Bird take GP2 glory; Sato takes first IndyCar win; Munoz triumphs at Long Beach”

“Reflections: ‘Lauda razor sharp in Long Beach – 1982 US Grand Prix West (Rd 3)’”

As the Formula One circus pitched up at Long Beach for the first of three American Grands Prix in 1982, the tensions between FOCA and FISA began to heat up once again following two heated meets in South Africa and Brazil.

“Reflections: ‘Prost victorious as Piquet disqualified – 1982 Brazilian Grand Prix (Rd 2)’”

With the 1982 Argentine Grand Prix lost due to lingering uncertainties within the sport, Formula One finally arrived in South America for the Brazilian Grand Prix in mid-March and although two months had passed since the infamous South African Grand Prix, ill feeling remained within the paddock and the outer reaches of Formula One itself.

“Remembering the Birmingham Superprix”

In 1985, the International Formula 3000 replaced the defunct European F2 Series as the final stepping stone before Formula 1. Come 1986, F3000 altered its schedule slightly to include races at Imola, Bugatti Le Mans and Jarama; however the destination that stood out like a sore thumb was "Birmingham".

“Reflections: Stewart Shines in Iberian Sun – 1970 Spanish Grand Prix”

Jackie Stewart had relatively few complaints about the opening to the 1970 Formula 1 season. Having claimed his first title several months previously, the Scot's defence began well with a podium under South Africa's hot, dry sun in Kyalami.

Vicky Piria becomes first female GP3 racer; Ellinas, Machado and Visoiu also sign up

Italian racer Vicky Piria will become the first female to contest the GP3 Series this season when she competes for Trident Racing, while Marusssia Manor complete their line-up with Tio Ellinas and Fabiano Machado. Robert Visoiu joins Jenzer Motorsport.

Reflections: “Prost from the Brink – 1982 South African Grand Prix (Rd 1)”

Formula 1 loves controversy; it feeds off of it. Without the public displays of placated aggravation and sugar-coated cat calling, Formula 1 would probably fall from the public eye. At the start of 1982, Formula 1 got it very, very wrong.

“Giancarlo Baghetti: The Grand Débutante”

------ This post was originally published on Too Much Racing in August of last year, as part of the VivaF1 blogger swap shop. The Grand Débutante reappears here today, as it marks the 50th anniversary of Giancarlo Baghetti's great achievement. ------ In terms of startling Grand Prix débuts, few will ever rank as highly as … Continue reading “Giancarlo Baghetti: The Grand Débutante”

Reflections: “Clark dominates at Clermont-Ferrand – 1965 French Grand Prix (Rd 4)”

Before the 1965 French Grand Prix, Lotus driver Jim Clark was quietly confident. After three rounds, the legendary Scot had a three-point advantage over BRM's Graham Hill when they arrived at Clermont-Ferrand. With skill and smoothness a premium at the French circuit, Clark possessed an advantage that often superseded the superb engineering of his nimble Lotus 33. In the race, he would made it look so easy.