Senna's nephew to pick up legacy
SAO PAULO: A Senna will be back in a Formula One car this month when Bruno, nephew of the late triple champion Ayrton, tests for the Honda team.
Honda, who have yet to confirm their 2009 lineup, said in a statement on Monday that they would test the Brazilian at Barcelona's Circuit de Catalunya from Nov 17-19.
"We are delighted to provide Bruno with the opportunity to test for us later this month as we continue to explore all the driver options available to us for next season," said team principal Ross Brawn.
"After an impressive year in GP2 this will be a chance for Bruno to prove that he is ready to make the step up to Formula One.
"Our objective is to have the best drivers available to us next season and our evaluation of Bruno's performance will be rigorous. We are looking forward to seeing how he performs."
Brawn said the 25-year-old, runner-up in the GP2 support series this year, would spend time at the Honda factory over the next two weeks working with engineers and on the simulator to prepare for the test."
Senna is most likely to replace compatriot Rubens Barrichello at the team if he is deemed good enough for a full race seat. Honda's other driver is Briton Jenson Button.
The Brazilian, who has also been talking to Ferrari-powered Toro Rosso, said he was excited at the prospect of following in his uncle's footsteps.
"Although I am still only in my fourth year of motor racing, I have wanted to test an F1 car for a very long time and I feel that I am ready for that challenge," he said.
"I'm excited about getting in the car in two weeks' time but I know this is a big opportunity so I want to learn as much as I can before I get to Barcelona. I hope to show the team what I can do, so it's up to me now to do a good job."
Ayrton Senna, who died at the wheel of a Williams in the San Marino Grand Prix of 1994, won his three titles in Honda-powered McLarens.
Agencies
(China Daily 11/05/2008 page22)
