Yamamoto to race Senna’s HRT at Silverstone

As Thursday evening fell at Silverstone, a rumour swept the paddock that Bruno Senna has been dropped by HRT.

The speculation was treated with scepticism by some, given the Brazilian rookie’s PR visit during the day to the nearby Cosworth factory.

And just three hours ago, he wrote on Twitter that he is "looking forward to the weekend at Silverstone", and last week an official team statement quoted him as saying: "I am looking forward to the British grand prix."

But team boss Colin Kolles told reporters at the Northamptonshire venue late on Thursday that reserve driver Sakon Yamamoto will race Senna’s car this weekend.

He said more details would be provided in the morning, amid rumours the Japanese former Spyker and Super Aguri driver Yamamoto has simply stumped up with enough money to buy out Senna’s race seat.