204 Motorsport Media

Hyundai Accent WRC (V7 MSD / Chassis #8)

Hyundai Accent WRC (V8 MSD / Chassis #3)

Hyundai Accent WRC (V7 MSD / Chassis #2)

Subaru Impreza S3 WRC ‘97 (P4 WRC / Chassis #5)

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution III (M6 MRE)

Ayrton Senna testing a McLaren-Lamborghini.

Most people have probably never heard of David Purley. He never won a Grand Prix; in his Formula One career he didn’t score a single point. What he’s remembered for isn’t a podium or a championship. What he’s remembered for is one selfless but ultimately futile act of bravery.

At the 1973 Dutch GP, a brutal crash left Roger Williamson trapped upside down in a burning car. Having witnessed the crash, Purley stopped his car and ran across the track to help, attempting to right the car in order to free Williamson. However the car was too heavy to be moved by one man, and none of the track marshals had fireproof overalls.

Purley attempted to flag down other passing drivers to help, but they assumed that the burning car was Purley’s and evidently he had escaped unscathed. Footage of the incident shows him throwing his hands up in disgust at their apparent callousness.

Williamson died before he could be freed from the cockpit. Purley was later awarded the George Medal in recognition of his bravery.

Subaru Impreza S3 WRC ‘97 (P8 WRC / Chassis #8)

Subaru Impreza S12 WRC (AT06 SRT / Chassis #8)

Dani Sordo / Marc Martí

Sébastien Ogier / Julien Ingrassia