Thirty years ago, the world of motor racing and sport in general was stunned by something that seemed unbelievable. Brazilian Formula 1 star Ayrton Senna went straight into the fatal Imola corner and crashed, killing the great driver who won three F1 titles (1988, 1989 and 1991).

The Italian region of Emilia-Romagna was silenced by what was confirmed minutes later: Ayrton Senna had died in the accident on 1 May 1994. His 41 victories and 80 podiums in Formula One were behind him, but his legendary career would not fade so easily.

Thirty years on from that event in the history of world sport, tributes continue to be paid to a man who, according to the experts of the time, could have been the greatest of all time. A special tribute exhibition of Ayrton Senna's racing cars is currently being prepared for this summer's Silverstone Festival.

Current F1 driver Pierre Gasly was recently at Silverstone to put the first F1 car of the São Paulo-born driver, born on 21 March 1960, through its paces.

Senna made his Grand Prix debut 40 years ago in 1984 in the historic Toleman TG183B, in which he scored his first World Championship points. The Toleman will be one of many iconic machines on display over the Bank Holiday weekend (23-25 August).

During his illustrious career, Senna won more races at Silverstone than any other circuit, and in honour of his extraordinary achievements, the Silverstone Festival will showcase many of those illustrious winners.

Gasly's laps in the Toleman were filmed by Sky F1 as part of a moving tribute to Senna's incredible legacy that will be broadcast during the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix on 19 May, 30 years after the tragic accident at the same Imola circuit.

The BWT Alpine F1 driver, who was born two years after Senna's death, is a great admirer of the three-time world champion and will race at Imola wearing a highly evocative Senna-inspired helmet. To add to the memories, he wore the same poignant helmet when he drove the South American's pioneering Toleman at Silverstone.

"I can't remember such an incredible experience," admitted the Frenchman. "Driving Senna's first F1 car was beyond my expectations. It was so emotional. I'd never been in a car older than me and the purity of the driving was incredible: just three pedals and a simple steering wheel, quite different from what I'm used to in a modern F1 car. It was a unique experience that I will never forget. Very, very special."

The history of the small and ambitious Toleman team, with whom Senna made his F1 debut, is also significant, as it was later acquired by Benetton and then Renault, before evolving into the Alpine F1 organisation for which Gasly currently races.

This summer, visitors to the Silverstone Festival will be able to enjoy displays from both ends of the spectrum. The iconic Toleman will be one of the main attractions in the unique Star Car exhibition paying tribute to the great Ayrton Senna, an event which has the blessing of the Senna family. At the same time, the latest Alpine A524 will be one of several modern F1 show cars wowing the crowds in the event's ever-popular FanZone.

Admission to both displays is included in the price of all tickets for the Silverstone Festival, which takes place from 23-25 August 2024.