On This Day: Prost beats Senna in chaotic final South Africa GP
On This Day: Prost beats Senna in chaotic final South Africa GP
The South African Grand Prix was held for the 33rd and final time on this day 25 years ago. Alain Prost won a chaotic race from old rival Ayrton Senna, with heavy rain leading to just five of the 26 starters managing to see the chequered flag.
Prost's return from a year-long sabbatical was a key focus heading into the 1993 Formula 1 season, and 'The Professor' showed his winning instincts remained at Kyalami.
Victory was also key for a Williams side shorn of the drivers' champion Nigel Mansell after he quit F1 over the team's refusal to guarantee him number-one privileges. As such, Prost was partnered by debutant Damon Hill.
There was also uncertainty at McLaren, where Honda's withdrawal of the sport had prompted Senna to consider doing likewise.
Despite an apparent lack of faith in their new suppliers Ford, Senna qualified the McLaren in second, behind pole-sitter Prost, with young guns Michael Schumacher and Hill on the second row.
Senna jumped Prost off the start, with Hill also passing his team-mate initially, only to suffer a spin on lap one as sodden conditions began to bite.
Schumacher also made it past Prost, but the Benetton could not hold off Williams' greater power and the Frenchman had Senna in his sights again by lap 13.
Prost was soon all over Senna's gearbox, making a move on lap 18 that Senna held off.
But the Brazilian was helpless on lap 25 as Senna dived down the inside to take a lead he would not relinquish.
Behind him, there was utter carnage. Eleven drivers had to retire following accidents, including Hill and Derek Warwick, who spun off on the last lap with the final point-paying place in his hands - he was the last driver on-track!
Schumacher also fell foul to the wet track to hand second place back to Senna. Mark Blundell followed them home in third, picking up a first podium in his 100th grand prix.
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