In the more than sixty-year history of Formula 1, there have been few drivers who have thrilled audiences and fans. Ayrton Senna rightfully falls into this small group. More than twenty years after his death, which occurred on the Imola track on 1 May 1994, the memory of the three-time world champion is always alive in the minds and hearts of those who appreciated his exploits on the track. In the book “Ayrton… forever in the heart” (Petagna Sorrento editions), Carlo Ametrano (brother of the former footballer Raffaele) recounted the career of the late Brazilian star. Our editorial team had the pleasure of interviewing Carlo, for whom Ayrton Senna still remains a role model today.

Q. Hi Carlo, where did the need to write a book on Ayrton Senna come from? 

R. It was born from the passion I had for Ayrton since I was a child, when I watched his races on television. As I grew up I felt the need to write a book, dedicated precisely to the Brazilian driver. By publishing this book I realized a dream: it was something wonderful. I also received a lot of rewards. The book went around the world, passing through the hands of Bruno di Senna, Gianfranco Palazzoli, Angelo Orsi, Ettore Colombo, Mario Poltronieri and many other well-known faces of F1.

Q. What did the driver Ayrton represent for you?

R. For me it represented everything. A visceral passion that I have nurtured since I was a child, experiencing his entire career in F1 first-hand. For me, to this day, Ayrton represents F1. After his death I have not seen any other driver perform such excellent feats on the track.

Q. The Ayrton man instead? 

R. Ayrton the man was stronger than Ayrton the driver. Traveling around the world I was able to see his popularity. Even those who don't follow F1 know the figure of the Brazilian driver. Above all, his charitable spirit continues to live in the Foundation that bears his name, to which I also donated a copy of my book. For me it was a real shock to see the death of my idol live on that terrible May 1, 1994.

Q. Of the victories achieved in Senna's career, which one do you remember with the most emotion?

R.  It's difficult to choose just one, I want to mention three. The first is the one caught in the downpour at Donington on 11 April 1993. On the first lap of the race Ayrton made four overtaking moves, going from fifth to first position. He won that race by dominating his opponents, with Hill first of his pursuers and the only one at full speed like the Brazilian, who reached the finish line 1'23" behind. An absolute feat. Then there was the conquest of the first world title in 1988: an indescribable emotion for Ayrton, who dreamed of becoming world champion since he was a child. Finally I want to remember the triumph achieved at Interlagos in 1991. The famous race ended by Ayrton with the gearbox stuck in sixth – Carlo remembers with emotion – where he sent all his countrymen into raptures. A Grand Prix marked by physical pain, completed by the Brazilian thanks to his tenacity. I remember very well the care provided on the occasion by the then official F1 GP doctor, Sid Watkins, who was also a great friend of Ayrton.

Q. Are you thinking of any initiative in the future to pay homage to the figure of Ayrton?

R. Yes, as President of the Fan Club "Ayrton Senna" in Castellammare di Stabia I am trying to organize an event, during which I would like the McLaren MP4/8 with which Ayrton won five races in the 1993 season to be present. Among which the one won at Donington stands out. But at the moment there is nothing official yet. 

Anyone interested in purchasing the book “Ayrton… forever in the heart” can contact Carlo Ametrano directly (333/6810902). It is also possible to send a private message to the Facebook page “Carlo Ametrano. president. Ayrton Senna fan club”.

Piero Ladisa 

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