Eddie Irvine Diz Que Perdoa Ayrton Senna Pelo Soco em Suzuka 1993

I forgive Senna

Jun 26 2011 by David Jeffs, The People

ACE driver Eddie Irvine has finally forgiven Formula 1 legend Ayrton Senna 18 years after the world champ punched him in the face.

Eddie spoke out as a new film celebrates the life of the Brazilian, who died in a smash at the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix.

Ulsterman Eddie, 45, said: It was embarrassing and not the highlight of Ayrtons career.

Ive forgiven him now, even though I lost all respect for him at the time.

But he was an incredible driver and that was the nature of the beast.

The movie, Senna, charts the racers amazing rise from unknown gokarter to three-times F1 champion before his death at just 34.

It focuses on his explosive rows with his McLaren teammate Alain Prost.

But it was the bust- up with Irvine at the Japanese Grand Prix in 1993 that made the biggest headlines.

Jordan driver Eddie had just scored a point in his first-ever F1 race when Senna burst into his motor- home, accused him of trying to block his path to victory and branded him a f***ing idiot.

He then punched Irvine on the chin, send him sprawling across a table.

Eddie, now a millionaire property magnate who also owns a karting centre in Bangor, County Down, said: It wasnt a positive for him but he wanted to be the best, pure and simple.

He went on: When Ayrton was killed it was like the whole world suddenly changed.

I couldn't believe he was no longer with us it wasn't supposed to happen to someone with his immense skill.

But then it was: The King is dead, long live the King as the next new star emerged Michael Schumacher.