F1`

[ttfn]

I was fascinated watching BBC4 in the silly hours - Grand Prix: The Killer Years. There were many contributors who gave the documentary much credence. I thought for younger ABers who may never have heard of him, I would highlight the heroic efforts of David Purley at the Dutch GP in 1973 (his debut F1 year) to try and save Roger Williamson in his crashed and burning car. The clip of this terrible occasion brought back the memories for me and as I watched I realised I had remembered all of those terrible images. Derek was awarded the George Medal for his effort. Thank God motor racing has brought in so many changes to safeguard drivers and spectators alike.

[chrissa1]

I remember that too ttfn. An awful incident and a very brave man.

[cazzz1975]

yes have to agree, though the sport is still dangerous its more survivable than in years gone by, I remember roland ratzenburger being killed in 1994 followed the next day by ayrton senna.

[Count-A-Strong]

as I watched I realised I had remembered.....
Huh?

[ttfn]

Hi Chrissa, they were appalling images. It is inconceivable that David was totally on his own in his effort to save a fellow driver. His actions and body language negated the need for any commentary.

[ttfn]

Count - I realised that I knew exactly what was coming next throughout the archive film, such was the impact it had on me all those years ago.

[Red_John]

yes it too reminded me that I saw it at the time. I just remember the dispair as he gets the fire extinguisher going but the intensity of the fire was too great a man was burning alive in that wreck. Just a truly awful scene. It must seem like another world for drivers today. As Sir Jackie Stewart said the modern driver truly diced with death every race. The fight they had to improve safety over the years has made death's in motor racing very much rarer.

[Red_John]

yes I realise the apostrophie above is wrong before some ar5e has a go!

[ttfn]

To think they made Jackie Stewart work all the harder to get those improvements started, too. Shame on them.