The Goodwood Festival will celebrate Ayrton Senna’s first victory with rare F1 cars

A magnificent tribute in prospect. On April 12 and 13, the 82nd edition of the Goodwood Members’ Meeting will be organized. Over the two days, spectators will witness various historic cars speeding around the Goodwood track at high speeds. Presented by Audrain Motorsport, this edition will be different from previous ones. Indeed, it will take place 40 years after driver Ayrton Senna’s first victory at the wheel of his Lotus.

An impressive mastery in the rain

The Brazilian had unveiled his talent to the world that day in Estoril. After securing pole position on Saturday in dry conditions, the Sao Paulo native dominated the race on Sunday in the rain, finishing more than a minute ahead of his closest rival Michele Alboreto and leading every lap. An impressive victory that deserves to be celebrated.

A tribute paid by his nephew

A special demonstration will therefore take place this year, with his nephew Bruno Senna present aboard the Lotus 97T, the single-seater with which he won his first Grand Prix in Estoril. This single-seater, supported by Classic Team Lotus, will feature its famous gold and black John Player Special livery, driven notably by Nigel Mansell, Elio de Angelis, and of course Ayrton Senna.

This is not the first time this car has been present at Goodwood. In 2021, it was showcased during the commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the last world championship won by the Brazilian driver. At this 78th edition, Bruno Senna drove the McLaren MP4/6 with which his uncle won the championship in 1991. After the event, the Lotus 97T will be brought to Estoril where Bruno Senna, a former Williams F1 driver, will once again drive his uncle’s car. A poignant tribute that will take place on April 21, exactly 40 years after his uncle’s first victory.

A driver who is unanimously acclaimed in motor racing

Speaking on the subject, Clive Chapman of Classic Team Lotus said he was delighted to be part of this tribute. “It is a privilege for us to keep this car in working order. Seeing Bruno drive it at Estoril, 40 years to the day after that victory, will undoubtedly be an emotional moment, and we are thrilled to share our passion with the fans at Goodwood.” The son of the famous British engineer Colin Chapman also expressed how moving it is to be able to run on the Estoril circuit again with a member of the Senna family.

« Ayrton’s first victory was a significant moment for him, for Team Lotus, and for F1. So much so that, in his own words, Ayrton considered Estoril his greatest race. Alongside Peter Warr and Fred Bushell, my mother Hazel had kept Team Lotus afloat, and Estoril was the first victory since Colin [Chapman’s] passing. » Meanwhile, Charles Henry Gordon-Lennox, the Duke of Richmond and founder of the Goodwood Festival of Speed, expressed his happiness to pay tribute to such a talented driver who forever marked the history of F1.

« I am delighted that we are celebrating Ayrton Senna’s extraordinary career and life at this year’s Members’ Meeting. We are extremely grateful to Clive Chapman and Classic Team Lotus for bringing the Lotus 97T to Goodwood before their project to take it to Estoril the following weekend. After witnessing Bruno’s moving lap at the Goodwood circuit in the McLaren MP4/6 in 2021, I look forward to another unforgettable tribute to one of the greatest drivers in Formula 1 history. »

Outside of this tribute, other events are scheduled over these two days, such as the GT3 Shoot-Out and the racing series using sustainable fuels, including the new Win Percy Trophy. Between legendary races and historic cars, the festival is bound to be special. An event not to be missed for any motorsport fan, especially since many F1 cars will also be on display in the paddock.