Michael Schumacher and Damon Hill’s unlikely chinwag at Suzuka

This was taken through the media centre window at Suzuka in October 1994. The circumstances may not have been conducive to producing a clear image but it was a rare moment not to be missed – as can be judged by the phalanx of proper photographers on the right.

Michael Schumacher, left, and Damon Hill were scarcely the best of mates. Going into this penultimate round in Japan, Schumacher led Hill by five points; close enough to keep the story running even though Michael remained the favourite to win his first Formula 1 World Championship.

Appreciating that neither driver was a social bon vivant looking for media exposure, Bernie Ecclestone arranged this photocall in the pitlane. It was probably the first time the pair had exchanged more than a few words.

Damon can’t remember the exact topic of conversation, but it’s unlikely they will have discussed their chances for the race. With Schumacher going on to win pole for the sixth time in 1994, it’s fair to say Hill did not envisage what would turn out to be the greatest drive of his comparatively brief F1 career. Rain would flush the form book down the road.

In conditions that would lead to postponement today, the race got under way and, just as routinely, Schumacher’s Benetton took the lead and gradually eased ahead of Hill in the Williams. Cars spun every whichway, the most serious incident occurring when Martin Brundle lost control of his McLaren and narrowly avoided a rescue vehicle – but not a hapless marshal attending a stricken car. The marshal suffered a broken leg. The race was stopped for 23 minutes.

Schumacher had led by 6.8sec at the red flag. As the rain eased the race was restarted and for the last time in F1 history, the result would be decided on the aggregate of the two parts. Unlike Williams, Benetton chose to refuel twice, putting Hill in the lead. But any advantage would be severely compromised by a failure to remove the right-rear wheel at his single stop, Hill having to continue (unknowingly) with a well-worn wet Goodyear.

Racing against the stopwatch and an unseen rival on a treacherous, tricky track, Hill pushed on in the knowledge that the slightest mistake would not only ruin his championship chances, but also his reputation. By his own admission, Hill would never reach such an extraordinary level of surefooted tenacity and touch again as he crossed the line 3.37sec ahead on aggregate.

Going into the weekend, such a memorable victory had seemed as unlikely as Hill and Schumacher having a cosy chat on the pitwall.