1994day.year
Formula One racing driver Roland Ratzenberger is killed in a crash during the qualifying session of the San Marino Grand Prix run at Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari outside Imola, Italy.
On April 30, 1994, Austrian Formula One driver Roland Ratzenberger died after a crash during qualifying at Imola.
In the final minutes of qualifying for the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix, Roland Ratzenberger suffered a catastrophic front wing failure at over 300 km/h and crashed into a concrete barrier. The high-speed impact was fatal and marked the first Formula One driver death since 1982. His crash, followed by Ayrton Senna's fatal accident the next day, stunned the motorsport world. The FIA swiftly introduced rigorous safety reforms, including stronger cockpit protections and revised track designs. Teams were required to strengthen headrests, improve crash barriers, and implement crash data recorders. Ratzenberger's legacy lives on through the safety measures that have saved countless lives in racing.
1994
Formula One
Roland Ratzenberger
San Marino Grand Prix
Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari
Imola