For Ayrton Senna, the race in Suzuka was a huge letdown. Senna had worked hard to fine-tune his car, paying homage to Honda with his victory in their last Grand Prix in their home country.
He started in third behind Williams, but, just as he set out, his engine failed, while on the second lap.
He returned on foot to the boxes, being cheered on by the warm Japanese crowd, as a true champion.
“Those people really touched me. I was saddened at not being able to pay them back with a victory.”
He looked for Christian Fittipaldi (Minardi) after the race to congratulate him on his first Formula 1 win.
japanese gp
1º
N. Mansell
2º
r. patrese
3º
Ayrton senna
4º
G. Berger
5º
M. Schumacher
6º
j. herbert
7º
m. hakkinen
8º
e. comas
9º
a. de cesaris
10º
t. boutsen
11º
n. larini
12º
C. Fittipaldi
13º
m. brundle
14º
G. Morbidelli
15º
j. alesi
16º
a. suzuki
17º
s. modena
18º
b. gachot
19º
p. martini
20º
u. katayama
21º
O. Grouillard
22º
j. lehto
23º
j. lammers
24º
m. alboreto
25º
M. Gugelmin
26º
E. Naspetti
53
laps
26
cars
11
retirements
1’40”646
fastest lap
sunny weather
Pódio
1º
R. Patrese
2º
G. Berger
3º
M. Brundle
–
final position (retirement on 2º lap)
3º
position in championship following the race
3º
starting position
–
championship points accumulated
1’46”229
best lap
Those people really touched me. I was saddened at not being able to pay them back with a victory.
