There are races that are unforgettable, even after decades. Races that remain indelibly in time. Each of us keeps them in the part of memory tied to our recollections. Today we’ll talk about it, the most unfortunate and incredible race in Scuderia Ferrari’s history.
The year 1995 is a very important one for Scuderia Ferrari’s history. In fact, that summer, came the official announcement of the beginning of the partnership with Michael Schumacher. Luca Montezemolo and Gianni Agnelli decided to break the hesitation and change a historic and beloved duo, such as that formed by Jean Alesi and Gerhard Berger. The fans didn’t take it very well, but it took just a few months to make them change their minds. The emblem of that season was the most unfortunate and incredible race in Ferrari’s history.
So, the Italian Grand Prix of September 10 became the farewell moment for both the Frenchman and the Austrian, destined to meet again at Benetton in 1996. From the perspective of the World Championship, the fight was between Michael Schumacher, seeking a consecutive title, and Damon Hill, driving for Williams.
The starting grid had David Coulthard on pole ahead of the German, Gerhard Berger, and Damon Hill on the second row, Jean Alesi and Rubens Barrichello, in the Jordan, on the third. The first twist occurred on the warm-up lap with the Scotsman from Williams dramatically losing control of his car at the exit of Ascari, spinning off. He would restart but from the back row.
Michael Schumacher had a clear path, with Gerhard Berger and an excellent Jean Alesi behind him. However, at the end of the first lap, another important episode. In the back, an accident, again at the Ascari chicane, involving four cars. Just as Gerhard Berger overtakes the German world champion’s Benetton, the race direction displays the red flag.
Everything to be redone. The regulations at the time allowed, if this occurred within the first two laps, to reset everyone. So it was. Thus, the race restarted with David Coulthard in pole position.
The Scotsman made the best use of this chance to start well and take the lead of the race. Behind him, Gerhard Berger managed to overtake Michael Schumacher and position himself in pursuit. Not content with the first mistake, on lap number 13, David Coulthard loses control of the car at the entry of Roggia and spins into the gravel. He restarts again but, upon reaching the pits, he is forced to retire.
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Gerhard Berger in the lead, therefore, ahead of the championship contenders, then comes Jean Alesi. On the 23rd lap, another twist. Damon Hill tries to pass Micahel Schumacher during a lapping at Roggia. He arrives too deep, brakes but cannot avoid the impact. Both drivers are out, as the Tifosi cheer in the stands for the two Ferrari cars, with Gerhard Berger and Jean Alesi ahead of everyone.
Pit stop time, first the Austrian who takes on a lot of fuel and re-enters overtaken by Eddie Irvine and Mark Blundell. Jean Alesi, with a sensational lap, manages to pit and return to the track ahead of his teammate. Positions reversed and an even more ecstatic crowd, so much was the love for the Frenchman.
It seems everything is ready for Ferrari celebration, and yet, here will begin a combination of unique and legendary misfortunes in Ferrari’s history. The camera mounted on the rear wing of the Frenchman’s car detaches and incredibly hits the suspension of the Austrian’s car, which shatters right at Roggia.
The one-two finish fades away, but at least Jean remains firmly in the lead. Instead, with 10 laps to go, when the lead over Johnny Herbert’s Benetton was very reassuring, smoke starts to appear from the rear right of the Ferrari car. His bearing is literally catching fire, probably due to some debris from the camera’s loss.
The French driver has to stop at the pits, but there’s nothing to be done. Once again, with victory in hand, he’s forced to retire. Johnny Herbert thanks and goes on to win the Grand Prix, with a middle finger given to Flavio Briatore who had just fired him, in favor of Jean Alesi.
And so ends the most unfortunate and incredible race in Ferrari’s history. In the memory of those who, as a boy, were huge fans of the Frenchman, a driver who truly deserved much more.
Source: f1ingenerale
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