Japanese Grand Prix, Suzuka, October 29 1995
“Looking back at my time in Formula 1, I can recall numerous instances where victory eluded me despite being within reach. Ironically, the race that stands out as the most memorable is one I didn’t even manage to complete!
“I secured second position on the grid, trailing Michael Schumacher. On race day, the conditions were wet due to rain. Prior to the race, I approached the race director with a concern: ‘Given that the startline is situated on a downhill slope and our cars lack a handbrake, how can I prevent receiving a penalty if my car happens to move?’ The director responded, ‘As long as you maintain your position behind the line, even if the car drifts slightly, you won’t be penalised as long as you don’t gain an advantage.'”
Michael Schumacher, Benetton B195 leads Jean Alesi, Ferrari 412T2, Mika Hakkinen, McLaren MP4-10B
Photo by: LAT Images via Getty Images
“Despite this assurance, my car edged forward slightly at the start, without improving my position. To my dismay, not only was I penalised, but my team-mate Gerhard Berger suffered the same fate! I found this decision incredibly frustrating. Consequently, I had to serve a 10-second stop-go penalty, which dropped me to 10th place. After completing one lap, I contacted the team via radio, requesting: ‘I want slicks.’ Despite the track still being considerably damp, I began overtaking competitors rapidly – I even passed Johnny Herbert on the inside at the daunting 130R corner on my way into the pits to change to slicks.
“However, the race was not without its challenges: I experienced a couple of 360-degree spins on the straights! During one lap, Pedro Lamy forced me onto the grass as I exited the chicane. You can witness this incident from my onboard camera on YouTube – it’s truly remarkable!
“People often comment on my ability in wet conditions, particularly when using slicks. In reality, I simply strive to perform to the best of my capabilities. Perhaps my driving style, which involves pushing the tyres to their absolute limit and maintaining heat within them, sets me apart. I am not afraid of losing control of the car.
“By the ninth lap, I had climbed from 15th to ninth position, consistently achieving lap times five seconds faster than the rest of the field – including Michael, who was still using wet tyres. One lap later, I had advanced to sixth. Subsequently, I overtook Damon Hill around the outside of the chicane.”
Michael Schumacher, Benetton B195 leads Jean Alesi, Ferrari 412T2
Photo by: LAT Images via Getty Images
“By the twelfth lap, I had fought my way back to second position, trailing Michael by only a few seconds. I was consistently setting the fastest lap times. I could almost visualise his reaction in his mirrors: ‘What is he doing there? I thought he had a penalty’.
“I was thoroughly enjoying the race, but once again, it wasn’t destined to be my day. The driveshaft failed, resulting in all the oil draining from the differential.
“It was enjoyable while it lasted.”
We want to hear from you!
Let us know what you would like to see from us in the future.
Take our survey
– The Autosport.com Team
