At the beginning of the 1987 Formula 1 season, Senna and Lotus fans were quite surprised when they discovered the new Lotus 99T under its new sponsor colours. The Camel yellow and blue livery was far from being as beautiful as the JPS black & gold that have left F1 scene forever. The Renault turbo engine had left too to make place for the powerful Honda that proved to be the must for any team hoping to be a winner in 1987.
Peter Warr did what it take to keep the Senna pearle. He kept Ducarouge under contrat and brought a revolutionnary chassis equipped by the new active suspension.
Unfortunatly, the only times when Ayrton could make advantage of this combination was on the two only streets circuits of the 87 calendar: Monaco and Detroit. The script was almost the same. Nigel Mansell on pole went for what looked like an easy lead leading again to an easy win, but failed later to keep the pace for different reasons. Senna played dice both times as he did in other occasions that year avoiding to stop for tyre change while most of other cars all mounted with the same goodyears could not avoid the pit-stop. That was the main advantage of the Lotus active suspension. Both times Senna, Ducarouge and Warr had picked the right number.
Peter Warr did what it take to keep the Senna pearle. He kept Ducarouge under contrat and brought a revolutionnary chassis equipped by the new active suspension.
Unfortunatly, the only times when Ayrton could make advantage of this combination was on the two only streets circuits of the 87 calendar: Monaco and Detroit. The script was almost the same. Nigel Mansell on pole went for what looked like an easy lead leading again to an easy win, but failed later to keep the pace for different reasons. Senna played dice both times as he did in other occasions that year avoiding to stop for tyre change while most of other cars all mounted with the same goodyears could not avoid the pit-stop. That was the main advantage of the Lotus active suspension. Both times Senna, Ducarouge and Warr had picked the right number.
But the lack of developement due to a Camel limited budget kept Senna away from the top of the podiums for the rest of the races even though he did all what he could to keep the Williams pace. That was enough to make him take the decision to leave what used to be a top team (Lotus) for McLaren where he finally had all what he needed to win races and above all, his first F1 world title.
Ayrton Senna Lotus Honda Turbo 99T 1987
Limited Edition Fine Art Print
by TR Motorsport Art
Available here on The GPBox website
Ayrton 1:18 Flag Figure 1987
by Printstrike
Available here on GPBox
“Designed to win” giclee print
by Kieran Roberts Art
Check out this Giclee print at The GPBox store
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