AUSF3: Bruno Senna wins at Albert Park

SENNA TAKES FIRST EVER RACE WIN IN MELBOURNE

At the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix in Adelaide, 1993, Brazilian Formula 1 icon Ayrton Senna won his 41st and final World championship Grand Prix.

13 years and a different state later, 22-year old Bruno Senna - Ayrton's nephew - scored his first ever racing car victory in this evening's second Dodo F3 race at the Formula 1 Fosters Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.

In a tough race that included a mix of wet and dry conditions, Senna stole the lead from Tim Macrow on the third corner of the race and went on to win his first ever car race by a comfortable margin, despite the difficult conditions that turned the Albert Park circuit into a skating ring on the penultimate lap.

After finishing fourth after yesterday's frantic opening 8-lap encounter, Senna made a brilliant start from the second row of the Grid, taking advantage of the absence of Michael Trimble who was forced to the back of the field after his race one clash with Chris Alajajian.

After slipping by Macrow, Senna escaped to a strong lead and was never headed in the race, eventually winning by four seconds.

At a circuit that has hosted the greats of F1 and in a country where his famous uncle scored his final triumph, Senna today stepped into his own limelight thanks to his commanding performance.

Justifiably, Senna was elated with the victory.

"I don't want to finish any where else from now on," he grinned after steering his Team BRM / John Deere - Gawler Farm Machinery Dallara to the win.

"I pushed as hard as I could at the start of the race once I was in the lead and made a good margin on the other cars.

"After the first couple of laps I had a good margin and was able to back off a little bit. When it started raining I looked in my mirrors and was looking to see where the others were.

"I was looking at the big screens to see if the drivers spinning off were close to me," he added.

"I took it pretty easy on the last lap and was able to take the flag and win,"

Senna said that the feeling of scoring his own victory was beyond comparison.

"It's just great, Words cannot express the feeling that I have now," he said.

"Today is a big weight off my shoulders. I hope from now it will be much, much easier to win races.

"The support I have had this weekend by the Australians is incredible. I am so happy with the team and with car. It is just fantastic."

The third of four races will be held tomorrow evening at 5:15pm.

- www.formula3.com.au