Bruno Senna joins McLaren GT driver programme

Bruno Senna has joined McLaren's GT programme for the upcoming season and will be involved in the development of the 650S GT3 and 650S Sprint models as well as selected races in 2015.

Senna, nephew of triple Formula 1 world champion Ayrton Senna, has plenty of experience in both single-seat racing and sports cars, after racing in Formula 1 between 2010-2012 as well as the World Endurance Championship for the past two years.

The Brazilian driver says he is delighted to be joining up with the team his uncle had so much success with and is anticipating a busy season.

"It is a great honour for me to be joining McLaren; a team my uncle enjoyed such huge success with, and one of the most famous names in motorsport," Senna said. "2015 is a big year for the whole of McLaren, and it is an exciting time to be part of everything that is taking place.

"I am looking forward to working with the team at McLaren GT who I had a chance to get to know when I raced at the Spa 24 hour a couple of years ago, and I am really looking forward to getting behind the wheel of the new 650S.

"A lot of effort has gone into the development of the car since the 12C GT3, which I raced, and it made a big impression on its debut at the end of last season. It is shaping up to be a big year ahead."

McLaren are yet to announce Senna's racing plans for the 2015 season but Andrew Kirkaldy, managing director of McLaren GT, believes Senna will bring vast experience and knowledge to his team in all the different aspects of his new role.

"We are extremely pleased to be able to add Bruno to our factory driver line-up, and it is great to have the Senna name back on a McLaren," Kirkaldy said. "Our factory drivers are some of the most accomplished and capable on the grid, and Bruno adds further strength to our team.

"At only 31, he has a huge amount of experience, having raced with success in all major international championships including Formula 1, European Le Mans Series, World Endurance Championship and the Blancpain Endurance Series."

Senna will join the McLaren GT driver programme alongside Rob Bell, Kevin Estre and Alvaro Parente. He is also expected to continue his Formula E commitments, currently racing for Mahindra Racing and sits 11th in the drivers' championship.