F1 »

Senna happy to make F1 jump with 'smaller' team

Bruno Senna has lent further weight to the rumours suggesting he is set to move up into Formula 1 in 2009, by admitting he would not mind having to make his debut and prove himself with a 'smaller' team.

The young Brazilian – nephew of the late, great three-time F1 world champion Ayrton Senna – currently sits in second place in the GP2 Series title standings, though he would likely be leading but for appalling fortunes last time out at Magny-Cours, when he lost victory in the sprint race due to clutch woes and a hard-fought third position, from all the way down in 23rd on the starting grid, in the sprint outing when gear selection problems intervened.

The 24-year-old has a strong relationship with his uncle's former McLaren team-mate and close friend Gerhard Berger, the co-owner of Scuderia Toro Rosso who has promised he will 'help Bruno to do it', whilst he has also been linked to a role at BMW-Sauber [see separate story – click here].

The past three GP2 champions – since the series' inception back in 2005, taking over from International F3000 – have all gone on to claim seats in the top flight. Inaugural title-winner Nico Rosberg now races for Williams, with his successors Lewis Hamilton and Timo Glock respectively at McLaren-Mercedes and Toyota. Second-place finishers Heikki Kovalainen (2005) and Nelsinho Piquet (2006) have also since graduated to the uppermost echelon, with last year's runner-up Lucas di Grassi currently a Renault test driver.

Speaking to the Cologne-based newspaper Express, however, Senna was keen to remain circumspect.

“I really have no favourite team,” the São Paolista underlined. “First I want the GP2 title. That is hard enough, and still not a guarantee of a good Formula 1 car.

“What happened to Lewis Hamilton was unique. I want to take my first step in Formula 1, and it is just luck about which cockpits are free. If I cannot debut with a top team, I will have to first prove myself with a smaller one.”


Comments
Comments

Social Networking
Social Networking
Latest Comments
Latest Comments
Be the first to comment on this article and see your comment appear right here!
Latest Comments
Related Images

Related Images

Related Images