It’s been an unusually busy year for motorsport films. There was a little hype in the motorbike press around the mediocre I, Superbiker. The excellent TT3D: Closer To The Edge got slightly wider coverage.

But nothing like the widespread praise Senna has had since its first screenings last year. Two weeks after its UK release, it’s taken a million quid, and the film’s distribution is only increasing.

It’s success is richly deserved. Senna’s relationship with Prost is the central story, told through a wealth of archive footage, with contemporary interviews over the top where required. It’s fantastic stuff, with more than the odd modern day echo to be found.

That’s by no means all there is to the film though, and equally fascinating are Senna’s relationship with F1 doctor Prof Sid Watkins, and the huge importance Senna took on in his native Brazil. Some of the behind the scenes footage – from drivers’ briefings and the stewards’ room in particular – is simply staggering.

This all ensures that, whatever your prior knowledge, you’re utterly invested in Senna by the time the events of the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix come round. Needless to say Senna’s death is dealt with respectfully, and the scenes from the funeral and around Brazil are hugely emotional.

My fuller Formula 1 awareness only really began in the mid ’90s, so for me it was hugely satisfying to have some of the gaps in my memory filled in. And it’s only made me want to fill in more of those gaps, which has to be a good sign.

As is the fact that all bar two people of the Saturday afternoon audience stayed right to the end of the credits, then proceeded to file out of the screen in virtual silence. It’s that kind of film.