Wednesday 22 Oktober at 08:11 : Oct.22 (GMM) The chances are high that a young countryman will replace Brazilian veteran Rubens Barrichello at Honda next year

Honda is set to take up sponsorship by Petrobras next year, following the Brazilian oil firm's long association with struggling independent team Williams

Honda is still holding out hope that Fernando Alonso will accept its offer of a race seat next year

But in the event that the Spaniard chooses another destination, it is believed that Petrobras would be willing to substantially support the election of a Brazilian youngster as Jenson Button's teammate

In the box seat is the GP2 runner-up Bruno Senna, who is expected to be tested by the Honda team in the near future

So desperate is 36-year-old Barrichello to keep the seat, however, it is believed he has offered to bring down his weight over the winter to match Button's 68kg -- which according to some sources could mean a necessary loss for the Brazilian of more than 8kg

"Next year, experience is going to be essential," Barrichello, referring to the sweeping rules changes for 2009, is quoted as saying by Auto Motor und Sport

Another Brazilian option for Honda, however, could be Nelson Piquet Jr, who it is believed has not had his automatic contract option renewed by Renault and is therefore potentially a free agent for 2009