Bruno Senna has been given the full backing of his family to drive for Williams despite his legendary uncle losing his life whilst with the team 18 years ago.

Three-time F1 champion Ayrton Senna joined Williams Renault at the start of 1994, only to be killed in the third race of the season in San Marino on May 1.

Coincidentally, for this season, Williams will again be powered by Renault engines for the first time since 1997 and in the cockpit will be Ayrton's nephew Bruno, who yesterday joined the team on a one-year deal.

Despite the issues that surrounded Ayrton's death and as a finger of suspicion was pointed at Williams at the time, there are no ill feelings towards the team from the Senna family.

“I believe things happen in life for a reason,” said Bruno. “There is no resentment from my family. Everybody is ecstatic. I spoke to my grandparents before my mother. My grandmother was so happy, my grandfather had a great smile.”

Senna will partner Venezuelan Pastor Maldonado.