Senna name may return to F1

(GETTY IMAGES)

The name of Senna will move a step closer to a return to Formula One later this month.

Honda are to give a test drive to Bruno Senna - nephew of the late Ayrton, who won three world titles before his death in 1994 at the San Marino Grand Prix.

Although the Japanese manufacturing giants have yet to announce their line-up for 2009, it is firmly understood Jenson Button will be retained.

While they have not ruled out the possibility of renewing the contract of Rubens Barrichello, they are to spend the next few weeks exploring other prospects.

Senna, who finished runner-up in the feeder GP2 Series earlier this year, will join Honda at the first of the winter tests at Barcelona's Circuit de Catalunya on November 17-19.

The thrilled 25-year-old said: "I am obviously very excited about being given my first Formula One test, and to have that opportunity with Honda is a dream come true.

"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 I am ready for that challenge.

"I have already spent some time at the factory in Brackley and have enjoyed meeting the team and working with the engineers to prepare for this test.

"Everyone has been very supportive, and it is particularly special for me to have the chance to work with (team principal) Ross Brawn.

"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."

Brawn, looking to resurrect the team's fortunes next season after being in the doldrums for the last two years, remarked: "After an impressive year in GP2, this will be a chance for Bruno to prove 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."