(CNN) -- Bruno Senna has signed for Formula One constructor Williams 18 years after his uncle, former three-time world champion Ayrton, died driving for the team. The Brazilian will partner Pastor Maldonado when the 2012 F1 season gets underway in Australia on March 18, replacing veteran compatriot Rubens Barrichello. Bruno's uncle Ayrton is one of the greatest drivers the sport has seen, winning drivers' championship crowns in 1988, 1990 and 1991 before he died in a crash at the San Marino Grand Prix in 1994. It was only his third race for Williams. Williams' cars have carried his name ever since the tragedy at the Imola racing circuit, and Bruno, who made his debut for HRT in 2010, says he is excited to follow in his uncle's footsteps.
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Bruno Senna joins Formula One constructor Williams for the 2012 season
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Senna is nephew of three-time world champion Ayrton, who died 18 years ago
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Ayrton was driving for Williams when he was killed in San Marino in 1994
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Bruno will partner Pastor Maldonado when new Formula One season begins
"It will be very interesting to drive for a team that my uncle has driven for, particularly as quite a few of the people here actually worked with @placeholder," the 28-year-old told Williams' website.