Silvio Berlusconi, the Italian media tycoon, politician, and billionaire who served as Prime Minister of Italy in four governments from 1994 to 1995, 2001 to 2006 and 2008 to 2011, had always been interested in Formula 1, to the point of being willing to create his own team to bring in a young Ayrton Senna.
Before becoming the President of Milan, the former leader of Forza Italia had tried to explore another sports field, that of motorsport. The curiosity was shared by well known Italian journalist Leo Turrini in his most recent blog article.
The journalist explains how, in the mid-1980s, the Cavaliere even became furious with Enzo Ferrari over the failures of the Maranello team. In response, Il Drake told him to “shut up” because he knew nothing about engines.
In 1985, Silvio Berlusconi called Oscar Orefici, who at the time was in charge of Grand Prix, a television program dedicated to the world of four wheels. On that occasion, as Leo Turrini recounts, the former leader of Forza Italia started with a resounding statement: “Ferrari is no longer winning.”
Then Silvio Berlusconi mentioned his idea: to create a Formula 1 team with a leading figure, Ayrton Senna. Not just any team: “We call it Five, we take that young Brazilian driver who is currently with Lotus, what’s his name, Senna, and have some fun,” continues Leo Turrini in his blog.
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“And while we’re at it, let’s acquire the television rights for the Grand Prix races for Canale 5.”
Silvio Berlusconi’s idea seemed very promising, to the point that it was also evaluated. However, in the end, the option to acquire Milan prevailed. And the rest, as we know, is the history of football.
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