Ayrton Senna

Ayrton Senna da Silva (March 21, 1960–May 1, 1994), better known as Ayrton Senna, was a Brazilian racing driver who won the Formula One world championship three times. He is regarded by many as the greatest driver ever. His life, character and the circumstances of his death have caused his story to approach what could arguably be termed a modern legend. His death in 1994 is still mourned by Brazilians and he remains one of the most beloved Formula One personalities.

Early life

Senna was born in São Paulo. As the son of a wealthy Brazilian landowner, he quickly developed an interest in motor racing. Encouraged by his father, a racing enthusiast, Senna got behind the wheel of his first kart at the age of four. He entered karting competition at the legal age of 13. In 1977, he won the South American Kart Championship, and was runner up several times in the World Championship but never won.

Related Topics:
São Paulo - Karting - 1977 - South American Kart Championship

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Heading for Europe in 1981, he entered the British Formula Ford 1600 competition, which he won. He also adopted his mother's maiden name, Senna, as da Silva is a very common name in Brazil.

Related Topics:
Europe - 1981

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In 1982 Senna combined the British and European Formula Ford 2000 Championships, winning both. In addition to winning the prestigious and high-profile Macau Grand Prix, Ayrton saw off the challenges of Martin Brundle in the 1983 British F3 championship and secured a seat with the Toleman-Hart F1 team in 1984. His talents did not go unnoticed, especially after he impressed at the Monaco GP where he started at 13 but soon was picking his way through the field, in the wet and in a circuit not known for overtaking, he had overtaken race leader Alain Prost on the 31st lap when the race was ended due to the conditions. F1 regulations meant that the order at the 30th lap were to be considered as the finishing order, meaning Senna only placed second, despite this, it was an impressive first podium for the Brazilian. The next year, Senna joined the Lotus team and won the Portuguese Grand Prix, his first Grand Prix victory, on April 21, 1985 at Estoril, Portugal under treacherous conditions.

Related Topics:
1982 - British - European - Macau - Grand Prix - Martin Brundle - 1983 - 1984 - Monaco GP - Alain Prost - Lotus - Portuguese Grand Prix - April 21 - 1985 - Estoril - Portugal

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