HONDA The Power of Dreams

In 1991, Honda replaced its V10 engine with the V12 RA121E. This engine, which squeezed out high power at high rpm, gained a great deal of attention. This was not only a major change of course for Honda’s engines, which were considered the pinnacle of power at the time, but also raised the spectres of Honda’s first F1 era. The unique high-pitched melody produced by Honda’s first F1 V12 engine earned the term “Honda Music,” and now it was back.

McLaren Honda powered by the Honda V12 engine was off to a good start for the season. In the opening round in the U.S., Senna won from pole position, proving the high potential of the engine with the new specifications.

Then came Round 2, Brazil. For some reason, Senna had been unable to win at home. He had been at the top of the standings many times and was on the verge of victory, but had never won in his home country. In his seven previous attempts, he had taken four pole positions, but he was unlucky every time, including mechanical issues. In particular, in 1990, Senna led nearly the entire race, and just when victory seemed a certainty, he collided while lapping a back-marker. For Senna, winning the Brazilian GP was a long-cherished dream. In 1991, after eight years, he finally achieved his dream of winning on home soil. But, it was a close, as if he was treading on thin ice.

The 4.3-km Interlagos Circuit in Sao Paulo is unique. Not only does the track have high elevation differences, but runs counterclockwise, making it physically demanding on drivers, who are accustomed to clockwise circuits.

Senna qualified on pole, as if he had a reserved seat there, and led the race. However, with arch-rival Nigel Mansell (Williams Renault) just behind, Senna had to defend his position while trying to open a gap. The race progressed without much movement on the leader board, but much drama occurred on the track. On Lap 60 of the 71-lap race, Mansell’s pursuit of Senna ended with mechanical failure. Senna now was the undisputed leader, and the local crowd went wild, creating a surreal atmosphere at the circuit. Unfortunately, Senna also had mechanical problems. First, he lost fourth gear. Then the problems spread to third and fifth gears, and finally Senna had only sixth gear to drive with. The car would almost stall at low-speed turns, and if it stalled, Senna’s race would be over. Naturally, his lap times were dropping rapidly, and second-placed Ricardo Patrese (Williams) was fast closing in. As if to lament Senna's predicament, raindrops began to fall from the cloudy sky. However, for Senna, who excelled in wet conditions, this may have been his lucky day in Brazil. On the other hand, those who noticed the change in Senna's driving may have wondered if Senna would once again fail to win in Brazil.

Senna gave everything he had, bringing the car to the finish line. As the #1 McLaren Honda struggled up the final hill to take the checkered flag, Patrese was only three seconds behind. If the race had gone another lap, Senna would not have won. Not only was the car at its limit, but so was Senna.

Once across the line, Senna’s screams of joy over the team radio were broadcast on live TV, surprising viewers. The local broadcaster had intercepted the radio communication, which was not open to the public at the time, and the exchange was made public for the first time. Senna parked his car at the side of the track, and the frantic driving, the exhaustion, and joy, left him motionless. When marshals brought him to the podium, he was still unable to lift the trophy, but celebrated his victory by pouring champagne over his head. This was also Senna’s 28th victory, surpassing Jackie Stewart’s 27, and second only to Prost, who had won a total of 44 grands prix.

Senna, who had won his home race, continued his great form and achieved an unprecedented four consecutive pole-to-wins in one season, leading the championship by a wide margin. However, Williams Renault’s Nigel Mansell and Riccardo Patrese gradually began to close in on Senna with their ever-improving cars.