Memorial for Senna: ‘Living inside people’s hearts’

FANS and Formula 1 drivers past and present marked the 20th anniversary of the death of Ayrton Senna yesterday at the Italian circuit where the triple champion crashed.

Corinthians players in replicas of the racing helmet worn by Ayrton Senna before their match against Nacional. Picture: Reuters

Hundreds paid their respects with a minute’s silence at the Tamburello corner at 2:17pm, the moment the Brazilian’s Williams ploughed into the wall while leading the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix. Austrian rookie Roland Ratzenberger had died the previous day when he crashed during qualifying and the two remain the last driver fatalities during a grand prix weekend.

The circuit near Bologna was opened to the public with tribute events scheduled in Imola, including a memorial football match and the naming of a square, over the next four days.

A mass, attended by Ratzenberger’s parents, was held on Wednesday night.

“It’s so emotional for us because it’s a long time and still the love from the people is very alive,” said Senna’s niece Paula, representing the family. “It seems like Ayrton is living inside people’s hearts, so it’s beautiful.”

Senna’s favourite Sao Paulo football team Corinthians donned replicas of his distinctive yellow, green and black helmet before the start of a cup match against Nacional in Manaus.