Product Description

History recalls the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix as one of the most impactful and tragic weekends sport has faced - it would be a weekend that would be etched into the memories of the entire motorsport community and would forever be remembered to those born after. 

We present to you the opportunity to own one of the most unique, rare artefacts from F1 history. This 1994 San Marino Grand Prix programme that has been signed by the late Ayrton Senna, as well as Michael Schumacher, Mika Häkkinen, Damon Hill, Rubens Barichello and Gerhard Berger. 

Imola 1994 

The 1994 San Marino Grand Prix was held in Imola, Italy; heading into the race Michael Schumacher was leading the World Championship for Benetton by 20 points. Jordan's Rubens Barichello was second, with Damon Hill and Gerhard Berger tied on points in third. 

Saturday's Qualifying marked the beginning of the tragic weekend. Austrian rookie Roland Ratzenberger, behind the wheel of his Simtek, had a minor spin during qualifying. Unbeknownst to him, the spin had damaged his front wing. When he turned into the high-speed Villeneuve Corner the lap after, his wing gave way (due to the damage) and snapped off.

The wing became lodged under his front wheels - leaving Ratzenberger unable to steer or brake. The session was red flagged. Ratzenberger tragically lost his life during this accident.  

With heavy hearts, the Grand Prix weekend commenced, however teams including Williams and Benetton did not partake out of respect. Senna had qualified on pole and was joined on the front row by Michael Schumacher ahead of the race the next day.

The race on the Sunday - 1st May - began as normal, despite the motorsport community being left devastated by Ratzenberger's accident the day before. It did not start without collisions, as Lamy went into the back of Lehto's car after he stalled on the grid - causing a safety car. 

Laps later, once the track was cleared of debris, the safety car returned to the pits and the race resumed, at the end of lap five. Lap seven would go down in history as one of the most pivotal moments in F1 history. Senna - leading Michael Schumacher - was unable to take the turn at the left-hand Tamburello corner, and continued in a straight line, striking an unprotected barrier. Senna became the second driver to lose his life at Imola that weekend.

When officials examined the wreckage, they reportedly found an Austrian flag which Senna had planned to wave after the race in honour of the late Roland Ratzenberger. 

Schumacher went on to win the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix and later the World Championship for Benetton, however the race victory was not one that was celebrated. Instead, the entire F1 grid and community were in mourning over the loss of two talents.   

The tragic race weekend marked an important moment on F1's timeline - never to be forgotten. 

Senna's and Ratzenberger's names live on in F1 to this day and remain icons in the community - forever immortalised - Senna, the three-time World Champion, and Ratzenberger who was in his ambitious inaugural season in F1. 

Unparalleled History 

This programme is an authentic piece of memorabilia and is possibly the rarest item we've ever auctioned on F1 Authentics. 

Made ahead of the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix, it has been signed by the late Ayrton Senna, as well as Schumacher, Häkkinen, Hill, Barichello and Berger.

• Signed by Senna, Michael Schumacher, Mika Häkkinen, Damon Hill, Rubens Barichello and Gerhard Berger 
• Authentic memorabilia - 1994 San Marino Grand Prix official programme 
• Obtained from a previous private collector  

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Please note: All auction items will include an Admin Fee of 10% of the winning price which will be added to the total when taken to checkout.