* AYRTON SENNA *
HIS LIFE ...
Ayrton Senna da Silva (Sao Paulo, March 21, 1960 — Imola, May 1, 1994) was a
Brazilian Formula 1 pilot, three times world champion in the years 1988, 1990
and 1991. He was also runner-up in the controversial 1989 Championship and in
1993. Died in an accident at the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari at Imola during
the San Marino Grd Prix in 1994. Is recognized as one of the biggest names in
Brazilian sport and one of the greatest riders in the history of auto racing.
The begining ...
Senna began his career by racin g kart. He moved to racin g competit io ns in
1981, and was champio n two years followin g the Brit is h Formula 3
Champio nship.
His good performance in the preceding categories led him to make his debut in formula 1
in the Brazil Grand Prix of 1984 Toleman-Hart team. In his first season in the category,
Senna quickly had results, leading to small English team to achieve performances ever
attained. The fol owing year, he switched to Toleman-Hart by Lotus-Renault, the team for
which he won six Grands Prix over three seasons.
In 1988, he joined Frenchman Alain Prost (who would be his biggest rival in his
career) at McLaren-Honda and lived years victorious by the team. The two
together have won 15 of 16 Grands Prix that season, and Senna was world champion
for the first time. Prost led the 1989 Championship, and Senna retook the title
in 1990-both titles were decided by collisions between the riders in Grand Prix
of Japan
The following season, Senna won his third world title, becoming
the youngest driver to win a championship in formula 1-feat that
still maintains to the present day. From 1992, the WilliamsRenault team comprehensively dominated the competition. Still,
Senna managed to finish the season 1993 as runner-up, winning five
races. Negotiated a transfer to Williams in 1994.
In December 2009 the British magazine Autosport published a story
where he made an election for choosing the best Formula 1 racer of
all time. The magazine has consulted 217 pilots who have passed
through the category, and Ayrton Senna won such a vote.
FORMÚLA 1
and Toleman. Contrary to what one might think, his compatriot Nelson Piquet did not oppose
his hiring by Brabham. The team sponsor, Parmalat, had more interest in having an Italian
rider in the team than having two Brazilians, influencing the decision to hire the team
Italian Teo Fabi for the season. Senna, imagining that Piquet had more influence on the
team, became resentful, stating in an interview that "He (Piquet) has not helped nor hurt",
giving the impression that his trip to the Brabham was vetoed by then two-time world
champion.
Thus, of the three remnants, only the team Toleman offered him a car to compete in the
Championship in the year 1984.
LOTUS 1985 - 1987
MC LAREN 1988 - 1993
WILLIAMS 1994
At Lotus, in 1985, he had partnered with Italian Elio de Angelis. Senna started
fourth in his first race for the new team in the season opener in Brazil,
Jacarepagua circuit in Rio de Janeiro, but abandoned the race due to electrical
problems.In the second race of the year, the Portugal Grand Prix, held at the
Estoril Autodrome, on April 21, 1985, he gained his first victory in formula 1,
dropping the pole position under heavy rain. Prost, second, abandoned after
hitting the wall. Senna won his second victory, also under rain in Belgium Grand
Prix at Spa-Francorchamps.
Senna had tried joining Williams in 1993, but was prevented by Prost, who vetoed his
name. Senna offered to ride for nothing, because his wish was to be part of the winning
team Williams-Renault, but was prevented by a clause in the contract of French that
prevented Brazilian joining the team (Ato stated in the movie "Senna"). However, this
clause does not extend to 1994, what did Prost retiring from racing a year before his
contract, preferring this to be his main rival as a teammate. In 1994, Senna finally
signed with Williams-Renault team.
Senna had tried joining Williams in 1993, but was prevented by Prost, who vetoed his name.
Senna offered to ride for nothing, because his wish was to be part of the winning team
Williams-Renault , but was prevented by a clause in the contract of French that prevented
Brazilian joining the team (Ato stated in the movie "Senna"). However, this clause does not
extend to 1994, what did Prost retiring from racing a year before his contract, preferring this
to be his main rival as a teammate. In 1994, Senna finally signed wit h Williams-Renault team.