Lotus honors Senna’s 1st F1 victory at Estoril by fielding 97T race car

MANILA: Lotus Cars has honored Ayrton Senna’s first Formula 1 Grand Prix victory at Estoril by bringing back the same Lotus 97T race car (the first to feature vertical aerodynamic devices behind the front wheels for airflow management) he drove to Autódromo do Estoril in Portugal.

Driving the Formula 1 car will be his nephew, Bruno Senna, who commented: “It will be an incredible feeling to drive this iconic car, marking the beginning of a series of victories and achievements by my uncle. This celebration will bring together fans from all over the world and shows how Ayrton Senna remains a powerful name in motorsport, and a positive influence on society in many ways — from educational impact to sustainable innovation, and as a movement that continues to inspire generations to pursue their dream and never give up.”

Wet track masterclass

Senna’s victory at Estoril was a masterclass in wet-weather driving. The Brazilian lapped nearly the entire field to claim the first of his 41 Formula 1 wins.

He regarded this performance as the greatest of his career and dismissed the widely held belief that his 1993 Donington win was his finest drive.

Senna was quoted saying: “No way! I had traction control there. It was a good win, but compared with Estoril ‘85, it was nothing.”

“For Team Lotus, Ayrton’s arrival was a defining moment. His talent, technical understanding, and relentless drive helped push the team forward. This anniversary allows us to relive that magic and honour his legacy. Bruno Senna’s commemorative drive at Estoril promises to be an emotional and historic moment, bringing the past full circle and cementing Senna’s enduring impact on motorsport,” Classic Team Lotus Managing Director Clive Chapman stated.

Send-off at Goodwood

Prior to its run at Estoril, the Lotus 97T will also be running at the 82nd Goodwood Members’ Meeting.

Its much-awaited run at West Sussex, United Kingdom, will act as a fitting send-off before its homecoming lap at the race track on the Portuguese Riviera, outside of Lisbon.

“Goodwood has always celebrated motorsport’s greatest icons, and it's an honour to host the Lotus 97T ahead of its return to Estoril. Seeing the legendary car on track once again will be a fitting tribute to Ayrton Senna's legacy and a special moment for fans, who can see the car in action again at the Festival of Speed in July,” the Duke of Richmond Charles Lennox noted.

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