IMPORTANT INFORMATION – PROGRAM UPDATE
We would like to inform you that, in an official statement from the Classic Team Lotus and for reasons beyond the control of the Estoril Circuit, which are related to a breakdown in the Renault engine of the Lotus 97T following the presence of Ayrton Senna’s iconic single-seater at the Goodwood Member’s Meeting held last weekend in the United Kingdom, the scheduled laps of the Estoril Circuit with Bruno Senna at the wheel will not be held on Monday, April 21. As a result, the organization was forced to reorganize the event program, so the Lotus 97T will be on display on the home straight on the morning of Sunday, April 20, between 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., and also on the afternoon of Monday, April 21, between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m., with free access to all visitors on both days and times indicated.
On April 21, 2025, Classic Team Lotus returns to Estoril with the Lotus Type 97T that Ayrton Senna raced to his first F1 Grand Prix victory. Bruno Senna, Ayrton’s nephew, will be at Estoril to celebrate, 40 years later, the legendary Brazilian’s dominant victory at the 1985 Portuguese GP.
It was April 21, 1985, and under torrential rain, Ayrton Senna, who had secured the first pole position of his career in timed practice at the wheel of his Lotus 97T in John Player Special colors, was preparing to make history at the Portuguese F1 Grand Prix. Dominating in the rain and impeccable in his driving, Senna would lead the Portuguese Grand Prix from start to finish and score the first victory of his career as a three-time world champion, in what is considered one of the most historic races ever.
40 years after that landmark day in the history of motorsport and in the memories of millions of fans, the Lotus 97T JPS will return to the Estoril Circuit on 21 April 2025 to recreate that moment and thus mark the 40th anniversary of that first victory.
Clive Chapman on Ayrton in Estoril:
“Ayrton’s first victory was a great moment for him, for Team Lotus and for F1. So much so that, in his own words, Ayrton considered the victory at Estoril to be his greatest race.”
LOTUS 97T SIMULATOR – ESTORIL RACING LAB
Do you want to be Ayrton Senna and show off your driving skills in the rain?
For enthusiasts and lovers of driving simulators, Estoril Racing Lab (ERL) will be present on April 20/21 at the Estoril Circuit and invites you to a unique experience. Free of charge, ERL will be offering a realistic driving experience on its Lotus 97T simulator where visitors can test their driving skills and “be Ayrton Senna”.
Estoril Racing Lab (ERL) is a premier Motorsport Centre, 2 minutes from the Estoril Circuit. Aimed at professionals and enthusiasts, ERL offers professional training simulators, coaching and personalised experiences. Whether for training, holding events or exploring high-performance simulation, ERL offers exceptional support. With full motion simulators and a strong “from virtual to real” approach, where passion and performance meet.
PROGRAM – SUNDAY, APRIL 20 – 9:30 AM TO 12:30 PM
LOTUS 97T display on the Estoril Circuit’s finish line.
VISITORS – APRIL 20, 2025 – 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
GRANDSTAND A opens at 9:30 AM. Closes at 12:30 PM.
FREE ACCESS to all visitors to Grandstand A
FREE ACCESS to all visitors to the Pit Lane and Finish Line between 9:30 PM and 12:30 PM
Children under 12 years of age are permitted when accompanied by an adult.
PROGRAM – MONDAY, APRIL 21 – 2:00 PM TO 6:00 PM
LOTUS 97T display on the Estoril Circuit’s finish line.
VISITORS – APRIL 21, 2025 – 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Grandstand A opens at 2:00 PM. Closes at 6:00 PM.
FREE ACCESS to Grandstand A for all visitors
FREE ACCESS to the Pit Lane and Finish Line for all visitors between 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM
Children under 12 years of age are permitted when accompanied by an adult.
Circuito Estoril