Posted by A quarter of a century ago, I was lucky to be in Monte Carlo for the 1993 Formula 1 race. It was the end of May 1993 and I got a last minnute package from Page & Moy (no longer in business). Air travel by Air France from London Heathrow to Nice France, accommodation in Nice, ticket for the race, and airport transfers.
The weather was great, and the trip from Nice to Monte Carlo was a one hour train ride that was absolutely fantastic. In spite of the crowds of fans, there were plenty of scheduled trips and everything was convenient.
Walking from the train station of Monte Carlo to the marina is a nice walk. The area around the circuit is totally blocked out, so the access to the stands is a bit tricky. Nevertheless, just being there is all the money. I was on the stand whichis on the marina straight, and when there was no action I could watch the people on the yachts, which is – I admit – not an everyday activity for me.
Senna was had a V8 Ford engine that was struggling compared to Renault’sV10 that was powering the Williams car.
In simple language, Senna did not have a chance.
Prost qualified his Williams first, Schumacher in his Benetton was second and Senna was third, in front of Damon Hill.
The race was an opportunity for Senna to demonstrate yet again that he was a born racer, a driver who would never give in.
He capitalized on Prost’s mistake to jumpstart the race and managed to win. The details after 25 years do not matter.
Damon Hill came second,and Ferrari’s Jean Alesi finished third.
On Monday morning I bought the sports paper L’Equippe and at the airport I asked Dereck Warrick, a Formula 1 driver, who was on the same flight to Heathrow, to sign it for me. It was as if Providence guided me.
For some reason, all five films that I gave to Boots for developing (there were no digital caperas at the time) got lost. This is why I have no photos of my own in this post.
But I cannot complain.
As I was approaching the gate to board the plane at NiceAirport,I saw aguy who looked like Francis Ford Coppola.
I could not help it, and went straight to him.”Are you Mr.Coppola?” I asked without any hesitation.Humble and friendly Mr.Coppola replied “Yes I am”. I was carrying the Michelin French Riviera Green Guide andI instinctively tore out a page and asked Mr.Coppola to sign, which he did.
P.S. If you are interested in Formula 1, here is an article I wrote on the Spanish 1993 Grand Prix.