Emotional Imola drive for Berger

Gerhard Berger had an emotional day at San Marino yesterday when he drove Ayrton Senna's JPS Lotus round the Imola track. Carrying a flag with Senna's picture on, and wearing a badge in the shape of Roland Ratzenberger's helmet, Berger commemorated the Brazilian former champion and Austrian Ratzenberger on the tenth anniversary of their tragic deaths at the circuit.

Gerhard Berger drives Ayrton Senna's Lotus around the Imola circuit as a tribute to his lost friend.

Photo by Brousseau Photo.

Berger himself crashed at the San Marino GP in 1989 and his Ferrari burst into flames. The marshals quickly extinguished the blaze. "What I did was a great way to remember my colleagues," said Berger.

"It was very emotional for different reasons, firstly at Tamburello seeing the marshals who saved my life in 1989 and who tried to save the life of Ayrton. Seeing the fans as I drove round the circuit was also emotional, as well as remembering back to these types of cars. It was a great thing to do and very special too."

Senna's sister Viviane, who organized the 'ImolAyrton' celebrations with the Ayrton Senna Foundation, watched Berger drive the Lotus, along with brother Leonardo.