Lionel Froissart: “Senna was not hated by anyone”

Already 30 years. Time flies. Too quickly. Some will say they remember it as if it were yesterday. Others, on the contrary, who did not experience that tragic May 1st, may discover a name, a face, a legend. In 1994, Ayrton Senna died on the Imola circuit, during Formula 1’s black weekend.

Many movies, series, and books have already been published about this San Marino Grand Prix. And a new book will be added to the collection. Lionel Froissart wanted to delve into the world of Senna, whom he had known for nearly 15 years. But with a particularity. The « il » is non-existent, replaced by the « je ».

« I met him for the first time in Le Mans in 1978 »

« It is the sequel to a collection from my publisher. I read the first one which was about Marco Pantani (former Italian cyclist). It was written in the first person, I was probably influenced », testifies the journalist. According to him, this style of writing is stronger and allows to have « more impact. It allows to say more personal things. » Lionel Froissart’s other wish was to differentiate himself from existing works. Hence the use of « I », which is rare in novels.

The sacrified icon mainly revolves around a circuit: the one in Imola. A track inseparable from Ayrton Senna’s life. His rivalry and tensions with Alain Prost were born here. Just like the confrontation between Didier Pironi and Gilles Villeneuve, the latter of whom would die in the following race in Belgium. A tragic event that marked the ex-McLaren driver.

The great circuit located in the heart of the Emilia-Romagna region is steeped in a heavy history. Many men have lost control of their car there. Others, like Senna, lost much more than that. Some enthusiasts may feel a special atmosphere here.

« I can understand it. We can feel past events. If I ever went to Watkins Glen, I would say to myself, “damn, that’s where Cevert died.” I’ve never gone to see Senna’s statue or Tamburello wall, I don’t need to go there to remember him. What touches me the most is the photo of him in a kart displayed on the pit wall, which is mine actually. »

He is always present in people’s minds

This book is essentially based on discussions between the two men. « I first met him in Le Mans in 1978. I have 15 years of memories with him. » And testimonials from various people, including Alain Prost.

Translate: « I know him well enough to trust him. » Also an opportunity to discover in more detail some scenes that went unnoticed a few hours before the Tamburello tragedy. Because even though the two men were seen as hating each other by the public, there was above all a deep respect. Especially after the retirement of the Frenchman.

According to the Parisian journalist, 30 years after his death, Ayrton Senna still holds an important place in people’s memories. He is still present in people’s minds. Many things are done for this. Even young people and drivers who did not know him know who he is. He was not hated by anyone.

The professional supports his arguments with his recent experience in Grand Prix. There isn’t a race that goes by without a reference to him. Whether it’s a statistic, a tribute, or a hat bearing his image in the crowd.

A thought for François Cevert

So how to explain that the three-time world champion has not been forgotten? There is first the record, although men like Michael Schumacher have a more extensive one. But it is mainly the image he conveyed.

« He was handsome, he had a natural aura. » Do other drivers have a similar reputation? « Jim Clark », simply answers Lionel Froissart, who considers him one of the best in history along with Senna and Prost. « There’s also Francois Cevert. Generally, every October 6th, we remember that he died at Watkins Glen.