A special family tribute to Senna's eternal legacy

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A massive shiny work of art dedicated to the great Ayrton Senna was unveiled this week at Sao Paulo's Autódromo José Carlos Pace.

The 3.5-meter-tall sculpture honours the memory of Brazil's favourite son as the country celebrates its 50th Formula 1 Grand Prix.

The impressive aluminium statue's creator had little trouble finding her inspiration as it was designed by none author that Lalalli Senna, the F1 legend's niece!

"This is a special tribute to Ayrton’s eternal legacy," explained Lalalli.

"[It’s design] was closely monitored by my mother, Viviane Senna, and my grandmother, Dona Neyde, so that we could have the most faithful portrait of my uncle as possible."

Interlagos was always going to be the natural home for the sculpture.

Senna was a two-time winner at the venue and it's a location where a maximum number of fans can enjoy the work's presence and pay tribute to the three-time F1 World Champion's outstanding legacy.

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.