F1: Yamamoto replaces Senna at Silverstone

HRT has announced that Sakon Yamamoto will replace Bruno Senna at this weekend’s British Grand Prix.

The surprise decision was made just hours before this morning’s first practice session and no reason has been given for the Brazilian’s removal from the Spanish-based squad’s driver line-up. It is also unclear as to whether the move is for one race or the remainder of the season.

“The drivers are Sakon Yamamoto and Karun Chandhok,” HRT team principal Colin Kolles told the BBC. “A decision as to who will driver for Hispania for the rest of the season will be taken over the weekend.”

Senna, who finished as runner-up in the 2008 GP2 series, hasn’t made a statement, although his manager Chris Goodwin dismissed claims that the Brazilian had been fired. The 26-year-old has raced in all nine Grands Prix so far this season for the new squad, registering best finishes of 16th in Malaysia and China.

Yamamoto, who was nominated as HRT’s reserve driver earlier in the season, makes his return to an F1 race seat for the first time since 2007.

The Japanese driver, who celebrates his 28th birthday today, has raced in 14 GPs with Super Aguri and Spyker, his best result coming at his home race in ’07 where he finished 12th.

For a full British GP preview watch Inside Grand Prix on Motors TV. Next screening – tonight at 0:30am (BST).


Andy Wilkinson

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