305 replies to this topic

[karlth]

This video is a link copied from Farzad's video site and shows Jackie Stewart asking Ayrton Senna a very provocative question in the aftermath of the 1990 Japanese GP.

Notice especially the way Senna's face changes while he listens to the question and then Ayrton's forceful unblinking response on what makes a racing driver.

I must admit that it is now easier to understand why he has still so many fans and enemies in Formula 1.

http://members.chell....eva/index.html
The video might be gone on Saturday so download it quickly.

[EDIT]
Video can be found here
[/EDIT]

[Dolk]

Great clip

[AlesiUK]

"if you no longer go for a gap that exsists,you are no longer a racing driver"


that should be stamped on the head each of the current grid.


That one sentence to me sums up being a racing driver.

[speedmaster]

Originally posted by AlesiUK
"if you no longer go for a gap that exsists,you are no longer a racing driver"


that should be stamped on the head each of the current grid.


That one sentence to me sums up being a racing driver.

Senna Forever !!!!!!!

[SeanValen]

As Murry Walker said "Senna in a press conference or interview is spell binding."

As MS said at Imola 2004 "He was a great competitor."

He wanted to win badly and makes you believe it.

[Mila]

"If you no longer go for a gap that exists, you are no longer a racing driver."

"THAT EXISTS"--Senna might have gone to the trouble of listening to himself.

[speedmaster]

Originally posted by Mila
"If you no longer go for a gap that exists, you are no longer a racing driver."

"THAT EXISTS"--Senna might have gone to the trouble of listening to himself.

if you can't see that gap then you are no longer a person with vision.....

[DaleCooper]

If you see a gap where a gap does not exist, you may have a head disorder.

Cooper

[molive]

The "gap" is subject to perception, it may exist for the driver making the pass but not for the one being passed.;)

[goGoGene]

The "Gap" has a nice selection of pants, as long as you are into cheenos; their t-shirts are nice as well.

[Captain Cranckcase]

Originally posted by Mila
"If you no longer go for a gap that exists, you are no longer a racing driver."

"THAT EXISTS"--Senna might have gone to the trouble of listening to himself.

Like Senna said "sometimes you get it wrong, it's impossible to get it right all the time".

[DaleCooper]

Molive wrote:

The "gap" is subject to perception, it may exist for the driver making the pass but not for the one being passed.

There is the opinion of the passer, the pasee, and the truth. I was talking about the latter, and care not for the opinion of either biased driver. Or are you of the opinion that the condition of a "gap" is a as yet an undetermined quantum state?


Cooper

[DaleCooper]

CaptainC wrote:

Like Senna said "sometimes you get it wrong, it's impossible to get it right all the time".


Yes, and Stewart was pointing out that Senna got it wrong more often than all the other champions that came before him put together. A strong statement, and one for which obviously Senna had no answer.

Cooper

[masterhit]

Thnaks for the vid Karlth

[Arrow]

I found it funny that senna addressed him simply as "stewart".
Or maybe its just me.

[Racer Joe]

Originally posted by Captain Cranckcase


Like Senna said "sometimes you get it wrong, it's impossible to get it right all the time".

When your favourite driver is turfed off by a guy who says that afterwards, you might not be quite as forgiving.

[Peter Perfect]

I was never a big Senna fan, not because I didn't rate his speed in the car on the contrary I think he was the fastest driver of his generation along with Prost, but because of his ruthlessness on the track. I think JYS was acutely aware of what contact on track could mean, as in his day it wasn't a case of jumping in the spare car more a case of being cut from the wreckage. Senna on the other hand saw it as a part of racing and exploited it to the full.

[Mila]

seeing that the interview came off the heels of the Suzuka 90 incident, I find Senna's response totally disingenuous.

remember, at first Senna sheepishly blamed Prost, claiming that the Ferrari driver went for a gap that wasn't there. then one year later Senna told us that he deliberately drove into Prost (the Mclaren telemetry indicated that he never lifted for the corner).

so we're supposed to come away from the interview thinking that Senna had some wise words for a champion of Stewart's stature? please.

[speedmaster]

For me the best moment in auto racing ever.. the payback... a day I've felt that not all the time the vilain (oops, i should have said Alain...but they rhime, and very well indeed...) gets it.

[scheivlak]

Originally posted by speedmaster
For me the best moment in auto racing ever.. the payback... a day I've felt that not all the time the vilain (oops, i should have said Alain...but they rhime, and very well indeed...) gets it.

Disgusting.

[rgsuspsa]

Winning races/titles are not definitions of a champion, and Senna was no champion.

[Uncle Davy]

"Alain" and "vilain" (sic) "rhime" (sic)?

Someone get speedmaster Spellcheck and a rhyming dictionary...



...and WTF is "rompant"?

[Drifter]

Senna didn't answer the question satisfactorily as far as I'm concerned. He justifies his incidents with self-promotion. Were the champions of the past not racing drivers? Sure they were. They just had healthier respect for the potential consequences of a collision.

But hey, the cars are safer so why not take greater risks?

[Rene]

Originally posted by speedmaster
For me the best moment in auto racing ever.. the payback... a day I've felt that not all the time the vilain (oops, i should have said Alain...but they rhime, and very well indeed...) gets it.

[hedges]

Originally posted by speedmaster
For me the best moment in auto racing ever.. the payback... a day I've felt that not all the time the vilain (oops, i should have said Alain...but they rhime, and very well indeed...) gets it.

Puts all your posts in perspective

[SCHUEYFAN]

Winning races/titles are not definitions of a champion, and Senna was no champion.

Senna did win 3 titles and was a fearsome competitor but was ruthless as evidenced by the clip. He deliberatley takes out Prost and legitimizes it by saying there was a gap? Senna was fascinating for reasons like this - he was driven beyond the boundaries of accepted behaviour and his single mindedness blinded him.

[gshevlin]

Originally posted by speedmaster
For me the best moment in auto racing ever.. the payback... a day I've felt that not all the time the vilain (oops, i should have said Alain...but they rhime, and very well indeed...) gets it.

If I printed this and tried to use the paper as toilet paper, it would be useless because it would already be covered in crap...
That is the stupidest motor racing post I have read all year.

[Jason]

Originally posted by SCHUEYFAN
Winning races/titles are not definitions of a champion, and Senna was no champion.

Senna did win 3 titles and was a fearsome competitor but was ruthless as evidenced by the clip. He deliberatley takes out Prost and legitimizes it by saying there was a gap? Senna was fascinating for reasons like this - he was driven beyond the boundaries of accepted behaviour and his single mindedness blinded him.

How is that so different than Michael Schumacher? In 1994, hits Hill wins his first WDC title. In 1997, hits JV in an attempt to take him out, but fails.

[speedmaster]

Originally posted by gshevlin

If I printed this and tried to use the paper as toilet paper, it would be useless because it would already be covered in crap...
That is the stupidest motor racing post I have read all year.

unhappilly, for you, I couldn't care less.... I won't change my mind.. still remember how exhilarating was that moment....so sweeeettttt revenge....

[Gabbiano]

Originally posted by Jason

How is that so different than Michael Schumacher? In 1994, hits Hill wins his first WDC title. In 1997, hits JV in an attempt to take him out, but fails.

no different...

accept Schumi says that 1997 was his bad...

[ruther]

Indeed, there was a gap - an excuse that neither Prost or Schumacher are able to give. Indeed, Senna didn't close the door - physically speaking, it was quite the opposite, it was Prost who turned in on him - although not his fault, of course.

Indeed, I never saw Senna throwing his car against another one in the way Prost(one or two times), or more often Schumacher, did or do - like the last 'move' over Montoya, or the ones against Hill or Villeneuve. See the battles against Piquet or Alesi, for instance.

[speedmaster]

Originally posted by Jason

How is that so different than Michael Schumacher? In 1994, hits Hill wins his first WDC title. In 1997, hits JV in an attempt to take him out, but fails.

Far different... Schummi move was clearly out of line and out of proportion... also Senna advised Prost before and more, Ballestre didn't allow the change for the clean side... if you ask me I would say both were not fair but Senna had his share the year before and not even a slap to Prost... Schummi? Did he have it the year before? If I can remember he made the something with Damon... and is doing the same with Montoya (from whom I've expected more cojones).

[Racer Joe]

Originally posted by speedmaster


Far different... Schummi move was clearly out of line and out of proportion... also Senna advised Prost before and more, Ballestre didn't allow the change for the clean side... if you ask me I would say both were not fair but Senna had his share the year before and not even a slap to Prost...

What a complete and utter load of crap.

[Simioni]

Senna is not talking about Suzuka 90 when he talks about going for the gap. He knew there wasn´t one, even though at this point he was still trying to sell it as a racing accident (he would only come clean the following season). Here he´s answering Stewart´s allegations about him getting involved in more accidents than other drivers. The point he makes is not shown on the video.

SENNA: When there is a gap, when there is a gap it is designed for being in a competition at a very high level [meaning the gap happens in a very high level of competition] with cars going so close as they go today, with the same horsepower, with the same level of grip, with the same low aerodynamics, you all know with the different circuits where it is very difficult for overtaking - because the circuits are designed not in an appropriate manner for overtaking manoeuvres - you either commit yourself as a professional racing driver that is designed to win races or you come second, or you come third, or you come fifth and I am not designed to come third, fourth, or fifth.

The point is clear and an absolutely valid one: You either take risks and accept getting it wrong once in a while (which he does), or you cruise home passively behind which in his mind is not the role you´re supposed to play as a racing driver.

[MortenF1]

Seeing that clip (thanks Karl!), I'm reminded of how much I admire both Jackie and Ayrton.

[jonpollak]

JYS should quit the BRDC and run the FIA



Jp

[SeanValen]

Originally posted by jonpollak
JYS should quit the BRDC and run the FIA



Jp

Agreed.

[tifosi]

This is idiotic. WTF does a gap have to do with Japan '90. Whether you like Senna or not he is on record as having already decided to take out Prost. The gap is immaterial, he was going for Prosts car, irregardless of anything else and he stated it before the race and later admitted that was his one and only intention. If he said anything else in a press conference then this would indicate he is nothing short of a dishonest little weasel, who isn't a man enough to take responsibilities for his actions.
What we need is an entire grid of Sennas. Then they can all take each other at at Ste Devote and we can get on with our Sunday's.

[pUs]

Originally posted by speedmaster
For me the best moment in auto racing ever.. the payback... a day I've felt that not all the time the vilain (oops, i should have said Alain...but they rhime, and very well indeed...) gets it.

[130R]

Originally posted by SCHUEYFAN
Winning races/titles are not definitions of a champion, and Senna was no champion.

Senna did win 3 titles and was a fearsome competitor but was ruthless as evidenced by the clip. He deliberatley takes out Prost and legitimizes it by saying there was a gap? Senna was fascinating for reasons like this - he was driven beyond the boundaries of accepted behaviour and his single mindedness blinded him.

Ohh, the f%@king irony from a 'Schueyfan'..!!

[Derbris]

A video, it is

Astounding, it is not

Boring, yes, yes it is.

Stupid Senna

[speedmaster]

Originally posted by Racer Joe


What a complete and utter load of crap.

Best quality available.....;)

[Vrba]

Originally posted by speedmaster


unhappilly, for you, I couldn't care less.... I won't change my mind.. still remember how exhilarating was that moment....so sweeeettttt revenge....

Did it cross your mind that many people might regard what happened oin May 1st 1994 as a sweet revenge?

Hrvoje

[Heathcliff]

Originally posted by Vrba

Did it cross your mind that many people might regard what happened oin May 1st 1994 as a sweet revenge?

Hrvoje

and you wanted jsn banned

[DaleCooper]

heathcliff wrote:


and you wanted jsn banned


He was just pointing out that it's not so nice getting this kind of sh*t thrown in your face, although his example is worse.


On the video, it isn't just about Suzuka, and excuses for Senna's behaviour then do not serve as a valid retort. That Senna was still alive then was a surprise to many, as the cars weren't nearly as safe then as they are now, and Senna cruelly found that out for himself.
I would claim Schumacher is guilty of many of the things Senna was guilty of, difference is really in how they deal with their track behaviour offtrack. Senna was completely convinced that he was the righteous one in all circumstances, Schumacher cannot hide feeling sheepish at times, promoting more people to question his conduct. After all, if you look guilty, you must be guilty, right? Schumacher is a little more honest with himself, it seems, but on track, just as vicious. My take.

Cooper

[speedmaster]

Originally posted by Vrba

Did it cross your mind that many people might regard what happened oin May 1st 1994 as a sweet revenge?

Hrvoje

yes, and those are the ones I can't care less...

[AndreasF1]

VRB:

Did it cross your mind that many people might regard what happened oin May 1st 1994 as a sweet revenge?

Hrvoje


_________________________________________________

sounds like they let you out a few years to early from the tard-farm

[Racer Joe]

Originally posted by AndreasF1
VRB:

Did it cross your mind that many people might regard what happened oin May 1st 1994 as a sweet revenge?

Hrvoje


_________________________________________________

sounds like they let you out a few years to early from the tard-farm

Try to read the whole thread through and understand the context of that comment and why it was made, as untasteful as it is.

[Chui]

Anyone who would think of May Day '94 was some kind of "just revenge" is lower than any racing move made by Schuey and Senna combined. Period.

Some MAY have felt that way. Nigel Mansell quickly comes to mind. When asked to be a pall bearer he stated that he was too busy to attend his funeral. I'll never see Mansell in the same light. It was "wonderful" to witness he, Piquet, Prost and Senna fight it out. No matter how intense the fight between the latter three became Prost and Piquet attended. Piquet "had" to attend as he was a fellow Brazilian. Prost, on the other hand, could have refrained, but didn't.

[Racer Joe]

Originally posted by Chui
Anyone who would think of May Day '94 was some kind of "just revenge" is lower than any racing move made by Schuey and Senna combined. Period.

Some MAY have felt that way. Nigel Mansell quickly comes to mind. When asked to be a pall bearer he stated that he was too busy to attend his funeral. I'll never see Mansell in the same light. It was "wonderful" to witness he, Piquet, Prost and Senna fight it out. No matter how intense the fight between the latter three became Prost and Piquet attended. Piquet "had" to attend as he was a fellow Brazilian. Prost, on the other hand, could have refrained, but didn't.

I don't credit any connection between Mansell's non-appearance at Senna's funeral, as disappointing as that might be even from a Mansell's fan point of view, with the "revenge" view on Imola 94, at all.

Why would he quickly comes to mind because he didn't go? Even speculation, and those clearly acknowledged as such, upon this is ridiculous.

Yes, Nigel should have attended - they both made their mark on F1 at around the same time. Hey even the very race (Monaco 1984) Senna made the world sit up and take notice Nigel led briefly for a short time for the first time in his life. They both won their first races in the same year (even the same number of wins), etc etc.

There was a lot going on between Senna and Prost right up to when Senna died. They were speaking constantly on the phone about safety and so on. I don't think Ayrton had that sort of relationship with Mansell.