[David Lawson]

I was at Brands Hatch today for the BTCC practice and I knew that Ayrton Senna's nephew, Bruno Senna was going to be racing in the Formula BMW UK Championship and hoped to get a shot of him on the track where Ayrton also made his race debut.

What I didn't expect was to find myself standing next to Ayrton Senna's sister in the paddock while she wished her son well as he got into his car for the first practice session.

To watch Bruno was a little unerving as he bears a strong resemblance to his uncle particularly when he smiled and the way he used expressive hand gestures when making a point. It is a cliche but I felt goose bumps as the very small group of spectators and I watched him putting on his gloves and helmet and smiled at his mother before getting into the cockpit, his mother (sorry I can't remember her name) was very quiet and naturally appeared to have feelings of pride and concern and I really wanted to say something to her but I didn't want to intrude.

This was one of those very rare magical moments that you experience at a race meeting. I took a few pictures which I'll post when I get them processed.

David

 

[Fergy]

Excellent moment for you, David! I look forward to the pics!

 

[Cslotracer1]

Yes, great! I will be looking to see the pics also.

 

[Russell Sheldon]

Hi David

Her name is Viviane Senna Da Silva.

She is the president of the Ayrton Senna Foundation, a charity organisation started by Ayrton Senna before his tragic accident in 1994 and pursued by his close friends and relatives. The Foundation takes care of 2,7 million children and teenagers in need, all over Brazil.

Kind regards

Russell

 

[David Lawson]

Here's a few of the pictures I took yesterday.

Bruno and Viviane Senna in the paddock

Bruno Senna in the assembly area

Druids Hill Bend

Exiting Druids

Thanks for the name Russell.

David

 

[JohnP]

Terrific pictures David and a nice moment in history to capture on camera. I gather the race didn't go so well though:

Carlin Race Report

 

[LSIntegra94]

The resemblance is incredible.

Aryton Senna in 1987, at 27 years of age.

And here is David's pic of the 20 year old Bruno Senna.

 

[Fergy]

Nice pics! Thanks, David!

I would not want to be in Bruno's shoes, though. Regardless of his talent, can you imagine trying to carry the same last name after Ayrton's tragically short but brilliant career?

That is pressure I can't even imagine!

 

[David Lawson]

JohnP - I read your Carlin link, an unfortunate start to his career in the UK.

Fergy - You're right, if he isn't on pole and winning races his useless. If he wins everything he's a little rich kid having it too easy!! We had this conversation at Brands before he took to the track. We can all remember the c...p written about Damon Hill, Paul Stewart, Jacques Villeneuve etc etc.

David

 

[Fergy]

Exactly, David, the followers are never allowed to be the people they are - they must either live in the shadow or forge a name of their own. Either route is incredibly tough, subject to external pressures, and validated only if they in fact exceed their predecessors - a tough goal for people with a name like Hill or Villeneuve!

 

[Russell Sheldon]

David, I was fortunate to meet Viviane Senna when she addressed the guests at the opening of the Dubai Autodrome in May. We were asked to put our hands in our pockets in aid of the Ayrton Senna Foundation charity, during an auction of collectors items that were donated by the Senna family and other sporting personalities. Up for auction were items such as Ayrton Senna's crash helmets, Tag Heuer Link Senna watches and signed shirts from Brazilian football stars Raul, Ronaldo and Roberto Carlos.

I guess the father and son analogy extends to Jody Scheckter and son Tomas, although both appear to have started their careers in a similar fashion! Jody fortunately matured and went on to win 10 Grand Prix's and a World Championship from 109 Grand Prix starts.

Kind regards

Russell

 

[David Lawson]

I'd forgotten the Schekter's yet I've seen them all race.

Jody's brother Ian was overshadowed wasn't he and the two sons have both been supported by Jody in junior formulae in the UK.

The difference with Jody was that he was even tougher on his sons than the press was and effectively terminated the less successful son's career.

I met Jody in the Formula Vauxhall paddock about 4 years ago and he kindly put up with me taking a picture of him with my better half, as we walked out of his garage area Thomas almost ran us all over on one of those motorised scooters they flit about the paddock on.

David

 

[McLaren]

Hey, he changed his helmet!

He used to race with Ayton's yellow and green one when he was in karting.

Can't wait to see him in a McLaren...

McLaren

 

[slik]

Hey there!

A wonderful story and fantastic pictures. Thank you very much for sharing.

Cheers,

Julian.

 

[David Lawson]

Derek Baker and I (Southend Slot Racing Club) went to Donington Park yesterday for the BTCC practice day and Derek asked Bruno Senna to sign a photograph he took of him at Brands Hatch in August.

David

 

[Neil D]

Hi,

If you wanna bump into Bruno, his team, Carling motorsport are based next door to my factory in Aldershot.......they all drink (every

) lunch time in a well known local pub...imagen my surprise a few months back chatting to Bruno about Brazil vs Enlgand football!! (then I worked out who he was!). Doesnt drink though, strickly a 'hills mineral water' man!.

Good looking females always around

If you want to know the pub, it'll cost you a few slot cars....

PS If you want anything signing, I can only ask for you.....

 

[jhardy33]

Hey, this Senna actually smiles.

 

[McLaren]

As opposed to this Senna?

Don't think he had a great deal to be happy about at Williams (no points but good enough car) and yet he looks pretty cheery here.

McLaren

 

[gecko]

On Sunday saw Bruno Senna race in the Formula BMW at Donnington - in my opinion a bit hot-headed and bags of talent given a chance and a bit of time.

I think in race 2, he was pushed off and had to join the back of the pack, but boy was he motoring and unlike alot of runners off the pace, the leaders just couldn't lap him.

Anyway, there was plenty of action there and some perfect BTCC cars that could use the Scalextric treatment.

Mark