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.”