On this date, Jules Bianchi had his terrible (and avoidable) accident at Suzuka. Remained in coma for almost a year. Andrea de Cesaris, a friend, died in Rome on Rome's annular freeway. A survivor of terrific accidents, 200 races and not 1 victory. He was bulletproof, but ironically a bike killed him. We still miss them. Regards, Alberto
DeCesaris had some interesting stats tied to his career. He started 208 GP's which was only bettered by Riccardo Patrese in the 90's and a huge number at the time (not so much anymore with longer seasons). Of that he DNF'ed 147 times including 22 in a row around 1986. That is a 70.7% DNF rate which was massive even for the time. He also drove for 10 different F1 teams. Quick from time to time but also very mercurial as a driver. Still an important part of the sport and gone too soon especially from a traffic accident. Even after all this time I am sorry for the loss of your friend Alberto. Sadly his death made little headlines.
Thank you Rob, it was a fluke if reported, mostly a somber day in Italy, and its automotive press. It was called a day, by an Italian magazine, as a day that in editing room the silence was 'screaming'. I met with his girlfriend a few months later and she was in pieces, as to be expected. As she said, that a survivor of F1 with so many accidents, and had to die almost from a neighbour dropping a vase from the 3rd story. A shame, a delightful guy. Regards, Alberto
