Ayrton/Roland - RIP

[Mattracer]

I remember so vividly watching the race- I had taped it and my brother and I sat down the next morning eagerly to watch it, as was our habit. Neither of us had been near radio or TV for fear of finding out the race result. We had no idea AT ALL there had even been an accident in the race but we had of course known about Barrichello and Ratzenberger.

When he went off we both jammed forwards on our chairs in horror. Then there was the awful period of time between the car actually stopping and a sign, any sign of hope.

I was in shock, I think it must have been. I was physically and mentally "out of it" for several days and we both cried privately several times in the days following. I think we both never truly understood the power of Senna's ability and the impact it had on us until it wasn't there anymore- we both felt that we had actually KNOWN him, but of course we did not in that sense. It was a little embarassing to realise that we, grown buys were crying, but it was that powerful. He was and is my idol, and I know I'm not alone on that!

We've all got our memories, videos and books. RIP Champion.

[cybersdorf]

Although it sounds cynical it is probably true that had only he died that weekend, nothing in Formula 1 would have changed. He was only an unimportant backmarker in an unimportant team.

I followed his career from his FFord days. He worked his way into F1 the hard way; in Japan he drove everything, and was competitive in everything he drove. He raced against, and sometimes with, other journeymen such as Mauro Martini, Pierre-Henri Raphanel, and the late Jeff Krosnoff. During this time, most casual fans over here forgot about him. Out of sight, out of mind. Only the occasional news snippet was an indication that he was still tirelessly working towards his goal. He got the F1 contract shortly after a promising test with an IndyCar team (I forget which); I was happy to see him fulfill his ambition of racing in F1, and I am glad he got to race there when it still had some sporting value. But I wish to god he had got that IndyCar drive.

Only when one is forgotten one has truly passed away. This sentiment can be found on many headstones over here, and it's probably just a phrase. Still, someone who followed his career from afar, and who he didn't know existed, hasn't forgotten. I was, and have remained to this day, his fan.

Here's to the memory of a backmarker - rest in peace Roland.

[Evilsenna]

RIP Ayrton, I will never forget you

[Knowlesy]

I'm only 17 years old but I can still remember the mesmerising sight of Senna holding off Mansell at Monaco '92 on what can only be described as tyre carcasses.
He shocked me also with his move at Suzuka '90.
He saddened me and the world with his untimely death on May 1st, 1994. I was unfortunate enough to see it all live and I still can't quite believe I watched a legend die in those circumstances.
Ayrton was the best.

RIP Ayrton

[Lee Janotta]

Good lord, all these memories start flooding back as I watch these races (well, the one-hour recaps, at least) on Speed now. I couldn't help but cry a little just now, at the end of the '93 Brazilian GP... Senna stopping to take a flag from the fans, the fans absolutely mobbing the track, lifting Aryton up on their shoulders, Senna being driven off hanging out the side of the track car, with safety vehicles and a frikking helicopter escorting him!

And the things he could do with a race car... I miss him _so_ much.

[Aysedasi]

And the reality is Lee, that F1 really misses him too. So very badly. TGF may be brilliant, but Senna he aint.

[Spudgun]

Originally posted by Aysedasi
And the reality is Lee, that F1 really misses him too. So very badly. TGF may be brilliant, but Senna he aint.

You're right there Ayse. I found it hard to like Senna at the time, since I was a huge Mansell fan, but you knew there was going to be fireworks whenever he got into a car. He was passionate about his racing. Above all, his team-mates were allowed to race him and what a show we got!

Even though I wasn't a fan, I felt physically sick when the news came through. As time goes by days blur into vague memories, but that day is imprinted in my brain forever. I remember everything I did that day and exactly what time I did it. I remember sitting in a bowling alley later that evening, just in shock. I just couldn't comprehend what had happened.

I was still reeling from the day before and Rubens' incident on the Friday. That was a dark, dark weekend. I was very emotional when the teams went to Monaco. It was very poignant. Not only that, but I really felt sorry for Damon and what he and the team must have been going through.

[Lee Yue Yang]

I was only four when these guys died but I've learnt alot about them especially Aryton.Strangely,I do feel a little sad although I don't remember seeing them race at all.

[jminsh]

I remember Roland from when he raced our BMW M3 in 1988 a true gent taken from us so early in his life.
RIP Roland.

The Minshaw family