Senna vs Prost: Pic Of The Week

McLaren's got two world champions and Honda power again - what could go wrong?

So what will have made Ron Dennis wince more at yesterday's confirmation Jenson Button will partner Fernando Alonso in 2015's McLaren-Honda? Having to act all matey with old friend 'nando? Or Button's mischievous response to Alonso's comment that he'd always idolised Ayrton Senna? The gist being 'I always liked Prost...'

Best buddies with McLaren Honda, 1988 style

Because if much was made of the fraternal feuding between Hamilton and Rosberg within Mercedes this year that was mere toys out of the pram compared with Senna/Prost. Alonso and Button are very different characters of course. But while tempting to celebrate having two world champions on the team and a return to Honda power those with longer memories at McLaren will be thoughtful about the fireworks that occurred last time they had such a line-up. Fireworks that included formidable success of course. But also one of the sport's most notorious rivalries.

All part of the pre-season spice of course and Button's quip likely just him letting off steam after the (official) uncertainty about his future with the team. Witness also his "Just woken up, what's going on?" Tweet shortly after the news was made official.

An excuse then to dig into LAT's archive for a Senna/Prost and McLaren/Honda themed Pic Of The Week. Our choice is this opening lap scrap from the 1988 Canadian Grand Prix, Prost having pinched the lead from pole-sitting Senna. The Brazilian eventually triumphed though, a result matched with his three-point victory over Prost in the driver's championship in a season in which a Honda powered McLaren won all but one of the races and Prost finished first or second in every race he completed. No wonder the gloves came off the following year...

Traditional (4:3)
Computer widescreen (16:10)
TV widescreen (16:9)
Portrait (smartphone, etc)

Photo: LAT Photo

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