Chronicle of an announced clash

The famous duel opposing Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna had reached new heights during the 1989 Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka: the French driver had warned his team mate and rival that he would close the door in case of suicidal attacks, but the Brazilian passed over on lap 47 and braked excessively late at the chicane (picture above).

Prost has turned in before the corner, which sent the McLaren over the curb stone, losing its directional capacity with the known result (picture below). It was only the beginning of the story…