And so the European GP is almost upon us as the formula 1 season edges closer to the half-way mark. While most fans are in agreement that Valencia is yet to produce any classic races since the race was switched to Spain in 2008, there have been some genuinely exciting races and moments that have come to lodge themselves in the memory of formula 1 fans  minds.

While Sunday’s race has a real chance of being a classic, join us as we delve into the past to dig up some of the best moments from the European GP to whet your appetite ahead of what should be a fantastic weekend of formula 1 action.

1993 – Senna shows his brilliance

What else is there to say about Ayrton Senna? Not content with being considered one of the greatest drivers of all time, he also has to have one of the most consummate drives at a grand prix in his locker as well doesn’t he?

The race in question is the ’93 European GP at Donnington – and was the setting for one of the most famous and frankly astounding laps in formula 1 history.

Starting from fourth and dropping back to fifth after a sluggish start, in the first lap alone he passed some of his greatest rivals – the Brazilian brushed Schumacher, Hill and Prost aside as if they weren’t there –  and went on to dominate the rest of the race. With plenty of action in the rest of the race, the 93 race is surely remembered for one of the greatest moments in the sport’s history.

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1997 – Schumacher’s dark side rears its head

What else would you expect of Schumacher? The German has hardly forged his reputation for being forgiving and welcoming – and it was the events of the 1997 European GP that helped forge that reputation.

Jacques Villeneuve was the man on the receiving end of some rough treatment as Schumacher, going into the race a solitary point ahead of the Canadian, attempted to halt an overtaking move by the chasing Villenueve by appearing to shunt him off the track.

The result? Schumacher crashed out, Villenueve went on in the race, and the German was stripped of his 2^nd place finish in the championship. Not such a wise move, eh?

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1999 – Herbert grabs a win

One of the finest things that can happen in formula 1 is when a race is so chaotic that the favourites for the chequered flag come undone allowing a driver in a lesser car to come up with an unlikely win.

And that is exactly what happened as Johnny Herbert stormed to a maiden victory for Stewart at the Nurburgring.

Only nine drivers made it to the chequered flag at the end of the race as events unfolded perfectly for the plucky Herbert – sit back and watch one of the most popular men in formula 1 enjoy his moment in the sun.

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2007 – Alonso leaves his mark

This is a race picked by the fans – namely Shivraj Gohil who tweeted us when asked about the most memorable European GP moment: “If I had to pick 1, it would have to be 2007, because of the first lap, Alonso’s pass on Massa and the fight after!”

So its not too much of a stretch to remember this one – in fact it is only four years ago that the European GPthrew up some memorable action. The Nurburgring was the track and it was thanks to the weather and slippery conditions that fans were treated to a race packed with action.

When the heavens opened the chaos began and it was up to Alonso to prove his skill in a McLaren alongside a young Lewis Hamilton.

Red Flag? Check. Spills and spins? Check? A fabulous winning drive? Check. It’s all here. Enjoy.

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For the latest news from the world of F1 ahead of the European Grand Prix stay tuned to formula1fancast. You can also follow us on Twitter and Facebook and check out our special features on the 8th race of the season, including the best quotes ahead of the race.

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