Happy Cake Day, Senna; Here Are Your Best Motorsport Moments

Today (March 21st) would have been F1 legend Ayrton Senna's 54th birthday. The three-time world champion is often regarded as one of the greatest drivers to ever compete in the sport, so in honour his cake day and sporting achievements, here are 10 of his best moments in F1:

1. Domination at Donington

The first lap of the 1993 European Grand Prix is arguably the greatest in the history of F1. Senna's McLaren-Ford had no right to challenge for victory at the Donington Park Circuit but wet weather helped to level the playing field. He dropped to fifth off the line but overtook Michael Schumacher and Karl Wendlinger in the first sector. He quickly closed in on Damon Hill's Williams and passed the Brit into McLeans, before taking the lead from Alain Prost at the Melbourne Hairpin. He was unchallenged to the chequered flag and won by 1min 23sec. Lad.

2. Debut home win

Image source: BBC

Senna travelled to Interlagos in 1991 still without a race win on home soil. He started on pole position and won the race despite losing gears, which meant that he only had sixth to drive with. He eventually crossed the line 2.9 seconds clear of Riccardo Patrese, but was so exhausted that he had to be lifted out of the McLaren MP4/6 and driven to the podium in the medical car.

3. First world title

Image source: Formula1.com

Pole position for the 1988 Japanese GP left Senna with a clear drive to victory and his first world title. However, he stalled on the grid and only just managed to bump start the car - thanks to Suzuka's sloping start/finish straight. He entered the opening bend in 14th place but put in a stunning comeback drive to climb to eighth by the end of the first lap. A mid-race rain shower helped his recovery and he took over the lead from Alain Prost on lap 27.

4. Senna vs Prost: Suzuka, part one

The rivalry between Senna and Prost was one of the most fierce ever seen in F1. The two drivers dominated the sport during their two-year tenure as team-mates at McLaren. The 1989 Japanese GP featured arguably the most memorable battle between them, as they both went for the world title.

Senna attempted to pass Prost at the chicane on lap 46 and with neither driver willing to back down, they collided. Prost climbed out of his car, thinking the race was over for both of them and the title decided in his favour, but Senna managed to get a push start and re-join. He pitted for damage repairs and won the race but was later disqualified, handing the championship to Prost.

5. Senna vs Prost: Suzuka, part two

Senna and Prost returned to Suzuka in 1990 battling for the title once again. However, this time they were not team-mates after Prost left McLaren to move to Ferrari. The race is best remembered for the first corner collision between the two drivers that secured Senna his second championship victory.

6. Senna punches Irvine

Image source: Formula1.com

Despite winning the 1993 Japanese GP, Senna was furious after young Irish driver Eddie Irvine had unlapped himself during the race. After a few drinks, the three-time champ stormed over to the Jordan hospitality area and punched Irvine in the side of the head, knocking him off a table.

7. The first win

Senna clinched the first race victory of his career at the Estoril circuit in Portugal, in only his second season in F1. Following an impressive debut for Toleman in 1984, he moved to Lotus for the following year. He lined up on pole position for the second round of the season and dominated to cross the line over a minute clear of the driver in second place, lapping almost the entire field in wet conditions.

8. A lighter side to Senna

Image source: Honda

Away from the track, Senna was known to be serious and introverted. But that's not to say he didn't know how to have a laugh. When Gerhard Berger filled Senna's hotel room in Adelaide with frogs, Senna retaliated by placing a strong smelling cheese in the air conditioner unit of Berger's room. He also filled the Austrian's shoes with shaving foam, meaning he had to attend an important dinner wearing trainers.

9. Rain master

Image source: F1 Fanatic

Senna should not have scored podium finishes in his first F1 season. Driving for Toleman, many considered his car to be second-rate. However, he qualified 13th for the 1984 Monaco Grand Prix and excelled in wet conditions to finish in second place. Just as he was about to take the lead from race leader Prost, it was red flagged due to safety concerns. However, it was still an incredible drive and really was a statement of intent.

10. Good guy Senna

When Erik Comas crashed badly during qualifying for the 1992 Belgian GP, Senna was the first driver on the scene. Rather than steering around the wrecked car to set another fast lap time, he stopped to help his fellow driver. He cut off the engine to prevent a fire and held Comas' head in a stable position until doctors arrived on the scene.