JULY 29, 2003

Wheatcroft unveils Williamson Memorial

It is 30 years since British Formula 1 driver Roger Williamson was killed in a fiery accident at the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort and to mark the occasion Wheatcroft, who was funding Williamson's career at the time, has unveiled a memorial to the 25-year-old Leicester driver

It is 30 years since British Formula 1 driver Roger Williamson was killed in a fiery accident at the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort and to mark the occasion Wheatcroft, who was funding Williamson's career at the time, has unveiled a memorial to the 25-year-old Leicester driver, who was in his first year of Formula 1. Williamson's accident was an important point in the history of Formula 1 because it resulted in pressure for better marshals and better fire-fighting. Williamson was trapped beneath his upturned car and the marshals failed to save him. Fellow driver David Purley stopped his car and tried single-handedly to save Williamson but he died in the flames. Purley was later awarded a George Medal for his efforts.