On the 30th anniversary of the tragic death of three-time Formula One champion Ayrton Senna, a memorial was held at the Imola track in Italy where the Brazilian driver crashed during the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix. The event, which took place on Wednesday, saw Formula One CEO Stefano Domenicali leading the commemoration alongside hundreds of fans, Brazilian and Italian politicians, and a representative from Austria.
The memorial also honored fellow Formula One driver Roland Ratzenberger, who tragically lost his life a day before Senna during a qualifying session. A minute of silence was observed at 2:17 p.m. (1217 GMT) at the Tamburello curve, the exact time and location of Senna's fatal crash at a speed of approximately 300 kph (185 mph). Flowers were laid at the crash site as a mark of respect.
Additionally, flowers were placed at the Villeneuve corner on the track, where Ratzenberger, a rookie from Austria, had his fatal accident. Senna, a revered figure in the sport, had been leading the race at Imola before the tragic incident occurred.
Italy's Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani highlighted the significance of Senna and Ratzenberger in sports and general history, emphasizing the impact they had on the Formula One community and beyond.
The aftermath of Senna's death prompted significant safety improvements at the Imola track and across Formula One. These changes included modifications such as shorter straights, increased safety measures around dangerous turns, and the implementation of less powerful engines to enhance driver safety.
As the Formula One community and fans worldwide paid tribute to Ayrton Senna and Roland Ratzenberger, their legacies continue to resonate in the realm of motorsport and serve as a reminder of the ongoing pursuit of safety and excellence in Formula One racing.
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