A documentary feature film about the legendary Brazilian racer Ayrton Senna will begin shooting next month, makers Working Title Films have confirmed. Spanning Senna's Formula One career from 1984 to his untimely death a decade later, the film will explore the life and work of the triple world champion, his physical and spiritual achievements on the track, his quest for perfection and the mythical status he has since attained.

Directed by Asif Kapadia (The Warrior, Far North), the film is written by Manish Pandey and produced by James Gay-Rees (Long Time Dead, Blackball), Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner with Kevin Macdonald (Touching The Void, The Last King of Scotland, State of Play) and Manish Pandey serving as executive producers.

The film is being made with the full co-operation of the Senna family, who have given permission for this to be the first documentary feature film about his life; Formula One Management, who will provide footage not previously seen theatrically; and the Ayrton Senna Institute, the charitable foundation established after his death which provides educational opportunities to millions of deprived Brazilian children.

Founded in 1983, Working Title has made more than 90 films that have grossed over $4.5 billion worldwide. Its films have won six Academy Awards, 26 BAFTA Awards and prestigious prizes at the Cannes and Berlin International Film Festivals. The company's commercial and critical hits include The Interpreter, About a Boy, Notting Hill, Elizabeth, Fargo, Dead Man Walking, Bean, High Fidelity, Johnny English, Billy Elliot and Four Weddings and a Funeral.