Motor racing fans across the globe watched in awe on 11 April
1993, as triple World Champion Ayrton Senna gave a masterclass in
driving in the wet at the European Grand Prix at Donington Park.
His extraordinary performance included the opening 'lap of the
gods' - which has been hailed as perhaps the greatest ever in F1
history. On 29 and 30 April 2023, the Donington Historic Festival
will pay homage to that unforgettable occasion, with F1 track demos
and displays.
F1 cars already confirmed for lunchtime track demonstrations on
both days of DHF 2023 include a Toleman TG-184, which Senna drove
in the 1984 Detroit GP and in qualifying for that year's Monaco and
Brands Hatch Grands Prix, and a Benetton-Ford B193 driven by
Michael Schumacher during the 1993 season.
In addition, Festival organisers are inviting the general public
to share their memories of that day and will display a photo wall
of images and reminiscences from those who were lucky enough to be
in the crowd at the time. Those wishing to contribute can upload
their photographs and memories via the
Donington Historic Festival website. Free-of-charge lunchtime
pitlane walks will allow visitors to set foot on the pitlane that
Senna famously drove through en-route to his iconic victory, while
echoes of Ayrton Senna's earlier days in motorsport will come in
the form of a static display of historic karts from the British
Historic Kart Club. Karting gave the legendary driver his first
experience of competition, as it did with so many big names in the
sport.
Senna's - and Formula One's - greatest lap
Ayrton Senna's association with what he called 'my best UK
circuit' began in July 1983, when the Brazilian driver got his foot
on the F1 ladder when he tested Keke Rosberg's Monaco GP-winning
Williams Cosworth FW08 at Donington Park. But it is the 1993
European Grand Prix - the first GP held at Donington Park in 55
years - that is eternally etched on the memories of motorsport
fans.
Starting from fourth position in his underpowered McLaren behind
the Williams of Alain Prost and Damon Hill and the Benetton of
Michael Schumacher, Senna mastered the torrential rain to secure
first position by the end of the first lap. He went on to take the
chequered flag a stunning 80 seconds ahead of second-placed
finisher Damon Hill, Prost having fallen back to third following a
stall in the pits.
Donington Historic Festival - action-packed on and off the
track
The Donington Historic Festival (DHF) offers a wealth of on and
off-track entertainment for spectators, with two days simply
jam-packed with
world-class race action, track displays and parades, an
open-access paddock and pitlane walks, a trade village, plus the
presence of hundreds of cherished classic cars in displays staged
by
dozens of car clubs. The event attracts a calibre of drivers
that matches the calibre of cars, and past and present-day BTCC and
Le Mans names are often seen on the entry lists.
This family-friendly event at a circuit renowned for unrivalled
spectator viewing is also a great way to introduce the younger
generation to the joys of historic motorsport - with the added
advantage that you can take it all in on the Saturday and Sunday
and still have the Bank Holiday Monday to relax at home!
Advance discounted tickets offer great savings over the
on-the-gate prices and start at just £25 for a one-day adult (16+)
entry, with discounts for teens aged 13-15. Under 13s are admitted
for free. The event features free general car parking. For further
information and tickets please click
here.
24 March 2023
