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Senna keeps schtum as queue forms for STR seat

SennaGP2 star Bruno Senna is giving nothing away about his negotiations to secure a seat in Formula One next year as rumours about the Brazilian’s future, as well as Toro Rosso’s 2009 driver line-up, continue to mount.

Senna, nephew of triple world champion Ayrton and a close family friend of Toro Rosso co-owner Gerhard Berger, has been linked to the Faenza-based outfit since impressing in GP2 at the start of the season.

But with Berger confirming that the team are to evaluate Senna’s GP2 rival Sebastien Buemi at a Jerez test next month, coupled with the fact that Super Aguri refugees Takuma Sato and Anthony Davidson are also in the frame to bring experience to the Italian outfit, Senna’s move to the team is by no means guaranteed.

“The ideal situation would be a young driver and an experienced one,” Berger told autosport.com, pointing to the increasingly crowded list of drivers vying for a seat with his team. “We are putting everyone on the list who is free, but there is no clear opinion at this stage. We will take our time.”

Red Bull backed Buemi is believed to be the preferred choice for Red Bull’s motor sport advisor Helmut Marko.

As for Senna, it was also muted in the Valencia paddock that the GP2 driver could take on a test role with BMW Sauber before making the switch to a race seat with Toro Rosso in 2010.

“Yeah I’ve been hearing that story as well … oh dear,” he told GPWeek, laughing off the rumour. And the Toro Rosso rumour? “No it’s all lies. All bullshit,” he added.

The growing list of drivers looking to break into Formula One puts Sebastien Bourdais’ Toro Rosso seat under increasing uncertainty. Bourdais’ manager Nicolas Todt has confessed that the Frenchman’s future in Formula one is not yet secured.

“In F1, whether it is your first or your tenth year, you always have something to prove and you are always judged on your most recent races,” Todt told GMC. “Right now, Sebastien’s future in F1 is not yet assured, but I have a good feeling that he can stay at Toro Rosso.”

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