Roland Ratzenberger

When Roland was a surprise choice for the second seat at Simtek Grand Prix at the beginning of 1994, he was something of a forgotten figure, having spent the previous four seasons making a very successful career for himself in Japan after his options in Europe had narrowed back in 1989.

Victory in the Formula Ford Festival at Brands Hatch way back in 1986 led to rides with BMW in the FIA world touring car championship, Formula 3 programmes in both Britain and Germany and British F3000. His record in all these disciplines was more than respectable but failed to unlock the doors to a higher echelon, so Roland headed east to continue his racing. He won in touring cars, F3000 and Group C with the SARD Toyota team, the latter category being a particular favourite.

Sadly Roland’s part on the Grand Prix stage was truly tragic, for the chance to show his undoubted talent was cruelly cut short when his Simtek crashed during practice for the San Marino GP at nearly 200 mph following a suspected front-wing failure.