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Old 05-01-09, 10:39 AM   #6
Max2147
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Spare a thought for Roland Ratzenberger, who died the day before trying to qualify for the race. In some ways, his death was even more tragic than Senna's.

Roland never had the money or a rich backer to help him get into F1. He was a regular guy, and by all accounts a genuinely down to earth and nice guy. He pushed his way up through the ranks with sheer determination, talent, and love for the sport. Tragically, that determination would seal his fate. When he went off on his outlap in qualifying at Imola, he was so determined to make the race that he decided to try a hotlap anyways. Tragically, his off had damaged his front wing mounting, and the front wing failed at 200mph while approaching a curve with no runoff. Poor Roland never had a chance.

A touching tribute to Roland: http://www.f1rejects.com/centrale/ra...ger/index.html
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