When Senna's gain was matched by his pain

It took Ayrton Senna until 1991 to win his home Grand Prix. But what looked like an easy and casual Sunday drive from the outside on this day 30 years ago was in reality a heroic effort by the great Brazilian.

And one which many still view as the greatest moment of his career.

When the gearbox of Senna's McLaren gave up the ghost with six laps remaining, the Brazilian's commanding lead over Williams' Riccardo Patrese just melted away.

However, Senna gave it his all and succeeded in crossing the line as the day's victor, letting out a burst of screaming relief.

The celebratory sambas had broken out but Senna was so exhausted and drained that he required help to lift himself from his car.

On the podium, the incessant clamor instilled just enough energy to enable Brazil's favourite son to lift the gleaming trophy above his aching shoulders.

It had been a magnificent triumph however, and perhaps the greatest moment in Ayrton Senna's extraordinary career.