On December 10, 1992, Brazilian driver Ayrton Senna, recently crowned with his third Formula 1 title, had the opportunity to test a Penske IndyCar. Without the powerful Honda engines of his former McLaren team, Senna was searching for new alternatives and opted for a test in a different motorsport world, starting a day that is remembered as a unique moment in his career.
The technician Nigel Beresford, who acted as an engineer during this day, shared details about the experience. The test was planned to last for three days with the new Penske PC22 model at Firebird Raceway West, a short 1.1-mile circuit. For comparisons, a vehicle from the previous year was available.
The decision to have Senna drive came at the last minute, made possible thanks to the help of Emerson Fittipaldi. Upon arriving at the circuit, Senna was practically alone, accompanied only by John Hogan from Marlboro, and his presence surprised those who last saw him at the Australian Grand Prix in 1991.
The day began with Fittipaldi at the wheel of the 1992 Penske in cold conditions and a slippery track. After adjusting the setup of the car, he achieved respectable lap times, marking a best time of 49.7 seconds. Then it was Senna’s turn.
The Brazilian, known for his speed, started his test with lap times slower than expected. Beresford mentioned that the transition from a Formula 1 vehicle to an IndyCar posed a challenge, especially with the gear shifts. Despite the initial difficulties, Senna finished his first series with a time of 49.5 seconds.
After making some adjustments to the car, Senna achieved even faster laps, recording an outstanding time of 49.09 seconds over a series of 10 laps. Upon returning to the pits, he expressed gratitude for the experience, noting he had learned what he needed and leaving an impressive impression of speed and skill.
Finally, the competition between Senna and Fittipaldi, with times of 49.09 and 48.5 respectively, demonstrates Ayrton’s exceptional adaptability and speed, despite driving a vehicle over a year old with used tires. This is a testament to his greatness on the track.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI