Senna replaces Barrichello at Williams

Williams have confirmed the signing of Bruno Senna for the 2012 F1 season to replace veteran Rubens Barrichello.

Senna, whose only previous experience in F1 was with HRT in 2010, will partner Venezuelan Pastor Maldonado.

The move means the 28-year-old Brazilian will race for the same team as his uncle, three-time world champion Ayrton Senna, who was killed at the San Marino Grand Prix in May 1994.

"I feel very privileged Williams has selected me as one of their race drivers," said Senna. "The team has a great heritage and I hope I can help write a good chapter in their history.

"It will be very interesting to drive for a team that my uncle has driven for, particularly as quite a few of the people here actually worked with Ayrton.

"Hopefully we can bring back some memories and create some great new ones too."

Senna will make his debut for Williams in Spain on 9 February in the first of the team's winter tests.

As his 19-season F1 career looks to be at an end, 39-year-old Barrichello tweeted his support for Senna, saying: "I won't be driving the Williams car this year. I wish my friend @BSenna all the best ... the future is wide open."