The three-time Formula One world Champion, Ayrton Senna, Will be honored with a square named after him, in São Paulo. The 15,000-square-meter space is located inside the Modelódromo Sports Center, next to Ibirapuera Park, and will be opened on May 1st.
The Ayrton Senna do Brasil square Will have an area of 15,000 square meters, 80% of which will be covered in grass, with benches for visitors. One of the square’s main attractions will be the 2.5-ton bronze monument “Velocidade, Alma e Emoção” [“Speed, Soul and Emotion”], created in 1995 by Melind Garcia, in honor of the driver. The statue was taken off the entrance of the Ayrton Senna tunnel and is currently being restored in order to be displayed on an elevated area in the middle of the square.
“We knew the city of São Paulo had to honor Ayrton Senna in a manner that did justice to what he represents. We want the square to be a place people can visit, interact, practice sports or simply take a picture next to the statue, which wasn’t possible in its previous location. It’s an honorable way to pay tribute to such a great idol”, said the city’s Sports and Leisure Secretary, Jorge Damião.
The opening of the square was made possible thanks to a process involving both private and public institutions. The project was conceived by landscape artist Benedito Abbud, in conjunction with partners such as BMW/Agulhas Negras, who built the square, and Farah Service, who was responsible by the area’s restoration and the relocation and installation of the statue, as well as the creation of the bronze replica of Senna’s helmet, which will also be on display.
Besides the square, other areas of the Modelódromo will be renovated. The dog park will be completely restored by Petz and renamed “ParCão”, with a 2,200-square-meter fenced area and an obstacle course to entertain the dogs.
The venue’s regular visitors, who are enthusiasts of model planes, trains, boats and cars will still be able to use the place for their activities.
The opening of the square, on May 1st, at 11 AM, Will be attended by mayor João Dória Jr., the Leisure and Sports secretary, Jorge Damião, and other city officials, as well as the Ayrton Senna Institute’s president, Viviane Senna. The celebration’s music will be provided by guitar player Robson Miguel, who will play songs like the National Anthem, Aquarela do Brasil and the Victory’s Theme, accompanied by a choir of 25 children, which was offered by the Culture Department. Entrance will be free and open to the public.
“This homage is poised to become one of the most special to Ayrton, and an attraction to fans all over the world”, says Viviane Senna, the driver’s sister and president of the Ayrton Senna Institute.
The Ayrton Senna do Brasil square opening hours are the same as the Modelódromo’s – from 8 AM to 8 PM, every day.