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.
Tag: jordan
Narain Karthikeyan and Giedo van der Garde sign on
The weekend wasn’t all about car launches, as both HRT and Caterham F1 added to their driver line-ups.
Tom Walkinshaw (R.I.P., 1946-2010)
Former Formula 1 and Sportscar boss, Tom Walkinshaw has passed away at the age of 64. The Scot had been suffering from cancer for some time, before eventually succumbing to the disease
“Those Who Let Us Race”
While many racing fans will speak of Ayrton Senna as the last fatality over a Grand Prix weekend, we must not forget those that died in accidents outside of the cockpit. Friday September 10th signalled the tenth anniversary of the death of track marshal, Paolo Ghislimberti.
When the BBC get it right…
Just before today's qualifying session at the Monza, the BBC broadcast delivered this absolute gem. As presenter Jake Humphrey was talking to co-presenters David Coulthard and Eddie Jordan about the team orders problems in the sport, a kindly Ferrari mechanic did what most viewers would love to do, by blocking out the much derided Jordan … Continue reading When the BBC get it right…
About That Photograph…
Earlier today, I posted a piece about Bertrand Gachot and at the tail end of the post was a picture of the man that replaced him at Jordan, Michael Schumacher. Now this particular picture was taken as he joined Benetton following his single race run with the Irish squad; however I received a couple of … Continue reading About That Photograph…
“Kiss With a Fist: Bertrand Gachot”
When Jordan F1 driver, Bertrand Gachot, was jailed for actual bodily harm just prior to the 1991 Belgian Grand Prix, little did anyone know the world of Formula 1 would soon be changed forever. With no experienced driver ready or able to take the seat alongside team leader Andrea de Cesaris for the annual visit … Continue reading “Kiss With a Fist: Bertrand Gachot”
Texas Barbecue Briscoe
When Ryan Briscoe lost the 2009 IndyCar Series title race to Dario Franchitti at the final round at Homestead, many pointed fingers to an error he made at the end of the previous round in Motegi as the turning point. It was at the Japanese race that Briscoe made an unforced error while on the … Continue reading Texas Barbecue Briscoe
2010 Spanish Grand Prix (Barcelona, Round 5, May 7th – 9th)
Friday With four races of the nineteen completed, reigning World Champion Jenson Button leads the Drivers Championship, some ten points ahead of Nico Rosberg who in turn is only just ahead of Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton. Red Bull had a difficult time in China and will be looking to stamp their authority back in … Continue reading 2010 Spanish Grand Prix (Barcelona, Round 5, May 7th – 9th)
Mark Webber Drives the Circuit de Catalunya
It's nearly three weeks since the Formula 1 flyaway adventure concluded and despite the best efforts of an Icelandic ash cloud, the field is now in Spain readying themselves for the beginning of the European season. The last time the teams were in Barcelona was for testing in the last days of February and at … Continue reading Mark Webber Drives the Circuit de Catalunya
A Little Bit of History: The 1906 French Grand Prix
Although there had been some races and minor events prior to the 1906 French Grand Prix, it signified the first time the spirit of high speed competition was sanctioned by an Automobile club - namely the l'Automobile Club de France.
Releasing the Car
New car launches have a habit of being spectacles - albeit boring ones. Admittedly, I have never been to one, but I have sat through numerous films and clip reels of unveiling's over the years and have often found the dry PR speeches deeply dull. Tales about a company's past, present and future sitting idly … Continue reading Releasing the Car