Gasly set to race with Senna Tribute helmet at Imola

Alpine driver Pierre Gasly will run a special Senna F1 Tribute helmet at next weekend's Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, the French driver has announced it after having driven the Brazilian driver's Toleman TG183.

Between the Chinese and last weekend's Miami Grands Prix, the French driver completed a run with Ayrton Senna's Toleman TG183 which was the Brazilian's first car with which he made his F1 debut back in 1984. The three-time world champion's best result was two third places with the TG183 which he achieved in Brands Hatch and Estoril in that year.

Commenting on his run, the Frenchman said: "I had the privilege of driving a bit, which is always nice! As part of an upcoming TV tribute, I drove the Toleman TG183, Ayrton Senna's first Formula 1 car from 1984, at Silverstone. It was an extraordinary experience that I will always remember."

"We took it back to the factory to show it to the whole team. It was fantastic to see so much positivity around Enstone. It was a fantastic day for the team and I hope they will remind us of our past and inspire us for the future. I had a productive day in the simulator in preparation for the race.”

With Formula One set to race in Imola this weekend and this year marking the 30th anniversary of three-time F1 champion's death, Gasly has elected to run a special Senna Tribut helmet at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. The specially designed helmet incorporates the iconic colours of Senna's helmet, the green and yellow of Brazil.

Expanding on his one-off helmet, Gasly said: "I’m going to pay tribute to one of the best F1 drivers of all time in Imola / one of my idol. I’ll be wearing a special Senna helmet design to remember Ayrton’s legacy.

"He was a huge inspiration since my first days karting and I had the chance and privilege to drive his first ever F1 car (a Toleman 1984) in Silverstone. It was an incredible experience and feeling to be sat in his car with this special helmet. It was such a unique feeling to get a taste of what it was like back in the days, just a man and his machine. A feeling and a day I won’t forget. Thanks to all the people who made it possible."