“There’s something almost sacred about Assen.”
That whispered sentiment echoed through the grandstands as engines broke the calm of a September morning in 2025. The TABAC Classic GP had made its triumphant return to the TT Circuit Assen—a track where history isn’t just remembered, it roars to life.
But this year, the feeling ran even deeper. Beneath the gleam of vintage race cars and the unmistakable aroma of aged horsepower, a legend was resurrected: the Lotus 97T, famously driven by Ayrton Senna, stood proudly in the heart of the TT Assen paddock.
Friday – Engines Awake, Legends Return
The sky over Assen cracked open with a silvery dawn. A light breeze rustled through the paddock as trailers opened and vintage machines emerged like beasts from slumber. The forecast was mild—clouds teasing patches of sunlight cutting through gaps in the paddock, temperatures slowly rising.
Spectators, from families to lifelong fans, filtered through the gates, many carrying stories of when they first saw Senna race, or when the TT Circuit first roared to life under Dutch skies.
Exclusive Spotlight: Senna’s Lotus 97T & The Man Who Knew It Best
By midday, the Lotus 97T was out on the grid, black and gold glistening like ink in sunlight. Chris Dinnage climbed in—not to race for a podium, but to resurrect a memory. As the engine snarled, time bent. For a few minutes, it was 1985 again.
One of the standout moments of the weekend was an exclusive photoshoot featuring the legendary Lotus 97T—Ayrton Senna’s iconic 1985 Formula 1 machine. More than a display piece, the black-and-gold masterpiece was awakened once again, a living tribute to one of the most beloved cars in F1 history.
Adding to the significance was the presence of Chris Dinnage, Senna’s former lead mechanic during his Lotus years. But Dinnage wasn’t there just to observe—he stepped into the cockpit himself at the TABAC Classic GP, taking the 97T for a memorable run around the TT Circuit Assen. It was more than a demonstration; it was a deeply personal reunion between man and machine.
His familiarity with the car was undeniable. Every gear change, every corner taken with quiet precision, spoke of a bond forged decades ago in the high-stakes world of Formula 1. Watching Dinnage drive was like watching history come alive—his hands once responsible for tuning Senna’s car now guiding it once more on a track steeped in legacy.
Also in attendance was Bruno Senna, who welcomed fans into the paddock and shared stories of his uncle’s time with the 97T. But it was Dinnage’s connection that anchored the weekend with rare authenticity—his presence adding a layer of emotion that no exhibit or display could replicate.
