Senna to drive for Williams

Bruno Senna has found a drive for the 2012 Formula One season linking up with the Williams team in place of fellow Brazilian Rubens Barrichello.

Senna replaced Nick Heidfeld at Renault for the final races of last season but was overlooked for this year as the team went with Kimi Raikkonen and Romain Grosjean.

The decision sees the Senna name return to Williams, for whom Bruno’s late uncle Ayrton, the three-time world champion, was driving when he was killed at the San Marino Grand Prix in May 1994.

Senna will compete for Williams alongside Venezuelan Pastor Maldonado, who will be entering his second season with the team.

“I feel very privileged Williams has selected me as one of their race drivers,” said Senna who will make his debut for Williams in Jerez on February 9 in the first of the winter tests.

“The team has a great heritage and I hope I can help write a good chapter in their history.”

Commenting on the choice of Senna, Williams chief Sir Frank Williams said: “The circumstances of Bruno’s two seasons in Formula One have not given him an ideal opportunity to deliver consistently.

“So, it was essential we spent as much time with him as possible to understand and evaluate him as a driver.”