Synopsis
Estoril Praia will debut a new fourth kit inspired by the late F1 champion Ayrton Senna during their April 19 match against SC Braga. This special kit commemorates Senna's legacy and his first F1 victory at the Estoril Circuit 40 years ago.Key Takeaways
- Estoril Praia will wear a special fourth kit on April 19.
- The kit honors the late F1 legend Ayrton Senna.
- It features design elements inspired by Senna's helmet.
- The kit will not be sold commercially.
- Vinicius Zanocelo emphasizes Senna's importance to Brazil.
Estoril (Portugal), April 16 (NationPress) The Portuguese club Estoril Praia is set to unveil a limited edition fourth kit during their match against SC Braga on April 19. This new kit pays homage to the legendary Ayrton Senna, a monumental figure in the sporting world, at the Antonio Coimbra da Mota Stadium.
Marking 40 years since Senna's inaugural win in Formula 1 on April 21, 1985, at the iconic Estoril Circuit, where he earned the title of “Master of Rain” for his remarkable performance in adverse weather conditions, Estoril Praia honors the man who left a lasting impact with 41 grand prix victories and three World Championships driving for McLaren.
This exclusive kit, not available for commercial sale, draws inspiration from Senna's helmet design and the colors of the Lotus 97T car he drove on his winning debut.
To commemorate both the racing legend and the new kit, Vinicius Zanocelo, the sole Brazilian player on the Estoril Praia roster, emphasized the significance of Senna for the local community, stating, “Ayrton is an idol for Brazil. It is a great honor to pay tribute to him in this way. I was very happy to be able to, in a way, celebrate a person who is so important to me and to my country.”
Zanocelo further added, “Senna is revered as a hero because he brought immense joy to a nation that has faced many challenges. The kit is truly beautiful.”
The dominant color of the kit is black, featuring the Estoril Praia logo and sponsorships in the same tone, complemented by gold accents on the collar and sleeves. The bottom right corner showcases gold embroidery with the date and silhouette of the Estoril circuit, while the left side indicates the unique edition number, represented by the gesture Senna made upon crossing the finish line and seeing the chequered flag.
What stands out most on the front of the jersey are the green, yellow, and navy blue stripes, which reflect the iconic helmet of the three-time world champion and symbolize Senna's enduring legacy.
Antonio Nobre, Estoril Praia’s marketing director, elaborated on the motivation behind this tribute, saying, “The purpose of this fourth kit is twofold. Firstly, to celebrate one of the most beautiful legacies left by the Cascais region. This story has touched multiple generations and is fondly remembered. Secondly, this serves as a tribute to Ayrton Senna, reminding us of a legacy that began with his first victory in Formula 1, the pinnacle of motor racing, and a man who spent a significant portion of his life in Cascais and Portugal.
“We take immense pride that Ayrton Senna's victorious journey commenced in Estoril on that unforgettable rainy afternoon, a memory that will be cherished by the people of Cascais and by all Portuguese motorsport enthusiasts for generations to come. I would also like to express my gratitude to Senna Brands for backing this initiative, as Senna remains an undeniable icon of our region, making this tribute fitting for one of the most charismatic and talented figures in the world of sports,” he concluded.
