A Senna masterclass of astonishing skill and flair

©ThecahierArchive

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©TheCahierArchive

On this day in 1993, Ayrton Senna vanquished his rivals and the elements to win the European Grand Prix at Donington, a race often heralded as the Brazilian's greatest triumph in F1.

Fourth on the grid, the McLaren driver carved his way to the front on a treacherous opening lap in the rain in an astonishing display of skill and flair.

The race was an incessant ballet of pit-stops and tyre changes imposed by track conditions.

Senna had five stops while arch rival Alain Prost was brought in seven times by Williams!

The little over 30,000 fans who had braved the conditions witnessed an extraordinary masterclass by a man who also conquered on that memorable day his 38th career win in F1.

©TheCahierArchive

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.