Sir
My son has brought to my attention DSJ’s article on Ayrton Senna (MS Oct 90). With all due respect DSJ is not completely correct in his statement that Ayrton and himself were completely uninterrupted during the plane flight from Lisbon to London. As I recall it, Ayrton was seated near the front of economy class. I was seated near the back of the business class. The steward mentioned to an Australian girl, who had been to the Grand Prix, that Ayrton Senna was just behind us. At the moment he said that, I happened to be reading a report in the Times which was praiseworthy of Senna’s performance, and very presciently described as having the exceptional hands of a true driving genius”. I then asked Ayrton if he would be good enough to autograph the piece for me – he asked “may I be allowed to read it?” (What courtesy, what modesty!)
On leaving the plane I had to wait for my luggage, as did he. It was interesting watching this very young slight figure pushing his own trolley in totally unfussed manner through customs etc, to be met on the other side by two other youngsters. They went off happily billing, no razzmatazz.
John Gibbons
London.
