MONACO, May 23, 2008 (AFP) - One of the most famous names in the history of the Monaco Grand Prix was back atop the victors´ podium Friday when Bruno Senna won the first GP2 race on the classic Mediterranean street circuit.

Senna, nephew of three-times champion Ayrton Senna who won the Formula One race six times in his outstanding career before his tragic death at Imola in the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix, drove superbly.

Starting on the outside of the front row, the Brazilian made a brilliant departure off the grid and took the lead going into the opening corner, Ste Devote.

He then stormed clear at the front and was only delayed when a mid-race pile-up caused the reduction of his lead.

But he fought hard as if inspired by his late uncle to resist the pressure from Monaco expert Pastor Maldonado of Italy and claim a famous win, 15 years after his uncle´s sixth and final win on the track he loved.

"It is just a really amazing feeling to put the Senna name back on top of the podium here," he said afterwards.

"I plan on doing it a few more times, at other tracks as well as here. I´ve had critics in the past who´ve said I´m no good on street circuits. I think this result slaps them in the face."

Senna, son of Viviane Senna, sister of Ayrton, is now just two points behind series leader Giorgio Pantano, who was the cause of the traffic jam after he was punted off by Sebastien Buemi.

Senna survived a post-race scare when stewards interviewed him and team boss Paul Jackson after he passed a number of stationary cars under waved yellow flags.

"That moment really shook the race up," said Senna. "I lost all my advantage, and all the cars were parked on the right, and I thought they were part of the accident.

"I passed them on the left, and then realised they were just waiting. I thought, ´oh dear´ and radio-ed the team, but they said it was okay as I passed them when they were stationary."