Berger was actually the first man who wanted to give Senna the chance to debut in Formula One, when he was co-owning the Scuderia Toro Rosso team, but the Brazilian turned down his offer because he wanted to compete for Brawn GP. He then argued his decision by the fact that Toro Rosso were not racing for points, but for survival.
As it turned out, however, Senna was unable to secure the Brawn GP seat either and remained most of the 2009 season sidelined. He changed his F1 strategy and decided to be on the 2010 grid at all costs, even if than meant with a rookie team, which is regarded by Berger as a high risk for a driver who debuts in F1.
“He's coming in as a rookie with a new team, which is never ideal but you cannot choose. It was the chance he got, so he has to take advantage and make the best of it,” Berger told Austrian Servus TV.
“I watched him for a long time. He had his considerable ups and downs. In Formula One, he must show whether he has what it takes – and it's hard to say beforehand. In the rain and in the dry, there have been races where he looks like he belongs in Formula One, and there were others where you have to say he is not ready. I think he is going to jump into cold water now and see what he can do,” added the former F1 driver.
Senna has been the first rookie driver to be confirmed in F1 for the upcoming season, by Campos Grand Prix.
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