Remembering Roland Ratzenberger

Posted by Kevin Guthrie Apr 29, 2009

For racing fans of a certain age this time of year inevitably brings back unwanted of memories of the terrible 1994 San Marino Grand Prix weekend. Tributes will be paid worldwide to commemorate the anniversary of Ayrton Senna's death. Love him or hate him, the Brazilian's talent was undeniable.

I was a huge Senna fan. He was, in my eyes, the best driver of his generation. At the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari that weekend he was under considerable pressure, with no points from the opening two races and a car which was not handling well. At the other end of the pit lane the mood was lighter, as Roland Ratzenberger prepared to go out for qualifying.

Roland had achieved a lifetime ambition two weeks prior to San Marino when the Austrian qualified his Simtek for the Pacific Grand Prix. He could finally call himself a bona fide Formula 1 driver. Several years after the Imola weekend I had some correspondence with Roland's parents. They were incredibly proud of their son's achievements and that solitary Grand Prix start brought them much comfort.

Despite being a new face in the Formula 1 paddock Roland was well known in the racing world, having competed successfully in an eclectic mix of classes. In the aftermath of his devastating accident during qualifying at Imola his countryman and friend Gerhard Berger contemplated immediate retirement. Senna raced to the scene in an official car and, upon being told by his great friend and Formula 1 doctor Professor Sid Watkins that Roland was beyond help, he had to be led away from the scene crying uncontrollably. Watkins tried to persuade Senna to walk away from the sport, but the Williams driver felt he would be letting too many people down.

I remember reading an interview with Roland ahead of the 1994 season. His enthusiasm and excitement about finally becoming a Formula 1 driver were palpable. The 15 years which have passed since that Saturday afternoon in eastern Italy have not dimmed his memory. Roland was undoubtedly one of racing's nice guys and a worthy addition to the Formula 1 ranks. Along with Senna, he deserves to be remembered.