This weekend the TT Circuit goes back in time with the Classic GP. Old motorbikes, classic cars and much more from the 50s to the late 90s roars as usual on the track.
There is also a very special car of all classics in this third edition: a Formula 1 used by Ayrton Senna da Silva. The Brazilian world champion killed in 1994 during a race.
The Lotus 97T has been specially brought to Assen to honor the Formula 1 legend. In the first instance, cousin Bruno would drive Senna in the car, but that party was canceled. “I have had a scooter accident so that I can no longer drive in the car. But being here and spending time with visitors is very special. Hopefully I will enjoy it as much as Chris,” said Bruno Senna.
Because Lotus Classic team boss Chris Dinnage is the designated replacement. He knows the car from outside and inside. In the time that Ayrton Senna was still racing, he was his head mechanic. “It is a privilege to be part of something that has to do with Ayrton, for me and the team. It’s great to keep his memory alive.”
The roar of the Renault V6 Turbo engine immediately attracts an audience when being tested. Similarly Gré Oosterhof. A real Senna fan, because even her dog is named after him. But pleasure is not the feeling that comes up first. “Still sad. But also admiration for the man. It was a very good driver and a nice person seemed to me.”
Two Belgian spectators who came to Assen to encourage a friend also enjoy the roar of the different vehicles. “The sound instead of those electric cars. Really the motors that roar is very pleasant to hear.”
In addition to the old F1 car, there are many more cars. For example, the classic single cars started on the Le Mans way: the drivers are waiting on the side of the road to run to their car after the starting signal and then race.
Of course many classic engines could not have been missed either. From 500cc engines to mopeds from the Tomos brand, part of the history of 100 years TT Circuit drove over the track. Tomorrow is the last day of the Classic GP.