Senna hopes to keep race seat in 2012

Bruno Senna is hoping he can keep his Renault race seat beyond 2011.

As reserve driver, and with new sponsors in tow, the Brazilian stepped up when the Genii owned team ousted its German regular Nick Heidfeld in August.

But for 2012, 28-year-old Senna - alongside Romain Grosjean, Rubens Barrichello and of course Robert Kubica - is one of several drivers reportedly in contention for the vacant race seat in 2012.

"If Robert can’t come back, I hope I can stay," he said.

"Especially in qualifying I think I have shown some good things. I think I have shown that the team can rely on me.

"But as long as you don’t have a contract, you have no guarantee that you’re going to be somewhere."

The fact Renault seems spoiled for choice for 2012 means that a speedy decision is unlikely.

Senna said: "I believe that the past has proven that it’s not a good idea to wait until the last minute to decide who is going to drive for you."