Alesi’s fiesta

The 1995 Canadian Formula One Grand Prix produced the only Grand Prix victory for French driver Jean Alesi. This was seen as a popular victory, as Alesi had waited, and came so many times so close, over five years for a victory and was driving the red number 27 Ferrari, as driven by Canadian legend Gilles Villeneuve.

Michael Schumacher led in his Benetton-Renault until a late problem with his gearbox necessitated a long pit stop. But the German champion elegantly declared: “Losing a race when you are in the lead is never a good thing. Especially for the championship. But my friend Jean won, for the first time, this consoles me.” 

After Alesi crossed the finish line, his car ran out of fuel at the hairpin, the ecstatic driver removed his steering wheel, stood on top of the car and ‘surfed’ it to a stop. Schumacher, approaching from behind, stopped and gave Alesi a lift back to the pits on top of his car (picture-below). An unforgettable moment, on his 31st birthday!