Auto Race Driver. Ayrton Senna da Silva was the world's fastest Grand Prix driver in the 1980s and 1990s. His Formula One racing career began in Brazil in 1984 and ended in San Marino in 1994. He died from injuries sustained in a high speed crash at the Tamburello corner at the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari Circuit at Imola, located in the tiny principality of San Marino in the north east of Italy, while leading the race. He competed in 141 Grand Prix races, winning 41 of them, earned 65 pole positions and 19 fastest laps. His 65 pole positions was a world record in Formula One racing for many years even after his death. His main competitors were Alain Prost, Nigel Mansell and Nelson Piquet among others. For most of his illustrious racing career he raced for the McLaren racing team, based in the U.K. His first Formula One victory was well earned at the rain-soaked Estoril Circuit in Portugal in 1985. His tremendous driving skills while racing in the wet was world renowned. Many called him the Rain Master. He claimed victory in the prestigious Monte Carlo Grand Prix 5 years in a row, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992 and 1993. But, arguably, the best victory of his career came at Donington Park in England in 1993 when he started 5th and by the end of the first lap, was leading the race. He earned the title of Formula One World Champion in 1988, 1990, and 1991 and finished second in 1989 and 1993. Ayrton was extremely proud to be from Brazil and towards the end of his life he began to discuss with his sister how he could help the impoverished children of his native country. Together, they came up with an idea for a comic book with its hero being called Senninha (little Senna). Proceeds from the sale of the comic books would be set up to help the children of Brazil. This eventually resulted in the Instituto Ayrton Senna and many thousands of poor children have been helped and are being taught schooling and trades so they can work and become productive in society. Indeed, when Ayrton died, he left almost his entire fortune to help the children.