Senna Loses Race Appeal, Championship

The International Automobile Federation tribunal today rejected the McLaren team’s appeal of the disqualification of its driver, Ayrton Senna, from the Japanese Grand Prix.

The move appeared to give the world Formula One driving championship to Senna’s teammate and hated rival, Alain Prost of France. Senna had to win both the Oct. 22 Japanese Grand Prix and the final race of the season Sunday in Australia to be champion.

“The appeals tribunal confirms the disqualification of Ayrton Senna in the Grand Prix of Japan and increases the sanction with a suspension of six months, suspended, for dangerous driving,” the federation said. It also fined Senna $100,000.

Senna finished first in the Japanese race but was disqualified for cutting across a curve after a collision with Prost.