Bruno Senna has confirmed reports he has signed with Williams for a single season only.
We reported recently that the former HRT and Renault driver, reportedly taking EUR 14 million in sponsorship to the famous Oxfordshire based team, is guaranteed the seat for 2012 only.
With countryman Felipe Massa’s Ferrari contract also expiring this year, the situation raises the prospect that there will be no Brazilians in F1 in 2013.
"All drivers, Brazilian or not, have great pressure to deliver results," Senna is quoted by Agencia Estado.
"Of course it is very important to have Brazilians in formula one, but we always do the best we can, regardless of the duration of the contract.
"I think this is the beginning of my career, as with a good job this year, we can extend the contract and, god willing, keep on getting better in the future," he added.
"Last year at this time all I could do was work on my fitness, but now I am driving the car, working with the engineers in the team and doing everything else that has made all the difference in this preseason.
"I have got to this stage of the championship with a preparation probably better than last year when I finished the race in Brazil," he added.
The 28-year-old said Williams’ target for this season is to score points regularly, after a woeful 2011.
"All the teams have taken a leap forward; I think Force India, Toro Rosso and Sauber are strong," said the Brazilian.
"Lotus seems to be strong, Mercedes as well. Ferrari do not seem to have the performance, unless they are hiding their game.
"It seems like McLaren and Red Bull are a little in front of everyone.
"I think the big surprise has been Caterham, who seem to have a reasonable performance. So it’ll be very interesting to see what will happen," added Senna.