Calcutta: Williams signed Brazilian Bruno Senna to complete their 2012 team line-up. Bruno, thus, followed in the footsteps of his late uncle and triple world champion Ayrton, who died in one of the Formula One team’s cars at the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix.

According to a media release, Bruno, who replaced 39-year-old compatriot Rubens Barrichello, has joined Venezuelan driver Pastor Maldonado to give the British team an all-South American line-up going into the March 18 opener in Australia. Bruno, obviously, is quite happy.

The following are excerpts

Thoughts, as a Williams driver, heading into 2012...

I’m really happy to be a part of a team with such a heritage. I am proud that Williams have chosen me to race in what will be an important year for them. Everyone is extremely motivated and it is great to be part of that motivation. It is true that they didn’t have the best season last year but it is clear that Williams are on a new path and everyone is pulling together to ensure that this year is a better one.

Importance of being a part of the team with such a heritage...

The team has an amazing history. I’ve seen many of their cars on track in the past and always wondered how it would feel to actually race them. I’ve never been in one, so I think it would be good to get a run in the active ride car at Goodwood.

Significance of joining the team for which his uncle raced...

It will be a thrilling experience to drive for a team that my uncle drove for. Quite a few of the people still here actually worked with Ayrton and I’m happy that they are now giving me the chance to prove myself here. Hopefully we can bring back some good memories and create some great new ones too.

Objectives for the season

It’s difficult to set objectives before the season starts, but I intend to push the FW34 to the limit to get the maximum performance from the car. This will be an important year for me and the team.

On the Renault engines...

After a few races with the Renault engine in 2011, I’ve learnt a great deal about it. It is a very good unit, which is another positive step forward for the team. As a driver, you need to have every weapon available to you operating at its optimum.

On Pastor Maldonado...

Pastor is a great driver. I’ve raced against him in GP2 and we always get along well.

Working with Williams during winter

I was at the Williams factory in Grove, both before and after Christmas, putting through my paces in the simulator, on the track and in the gym. We’ve done some evaluation work on the track (but not in a F1 car).

Teaming up with the Williams’ engineers...

I think we’ve started off really well. The relationship between a driver and engineer is something that few people can understand.

His initiation into the sport

I was a motorsport fan from a young age and, of course, there has been a great influence from my uncle (Ayrton). Ever since I first put my feet into a go-kart, I never wanted to do anything else. I’m privileged to be able to do what I love.