GPEDIA > Vitaly Petrov

Photo: Lotus Renault GP Media / Andrew Ferraro / LAT Photographic

Life Before F1
Probably the only F1 driver ever to have raced in the Lada Cup, where he was a two-time champ. Moved in to Formula Renault for a few years before returning to Russia for 2004 to contest the brilliantly named Lada Revolution Russia series. He won it, and by late in the next year he was in GP2. Was pretty annoymous for his first two season but came alive in 2009 to finish as runner-up to Nico Hulkenberg. That - and his massive marketing potential - landed him an F1 drive at Renault.

Credit: Charles Coates/ GP2 Series Media Service

F1 Career
Petrov's 2010 season saw flashes of real potential (notably in Hungary and Abu Dhabi) but far too often ended with the Russian in the barriers. Not many people damaged their cars more than Vitaly last year, and it's something he'll hope can be written off as inexperience. He was convincingly beaten by team-mate Robert Kubica, being out-qualified 17-2 and finishing over 100 points behind the Pole, and few would have bet on things being much different this year had Kubica not suffered his rally accident.

Retained for 2011 and 2012, Petrov will feel he needs to impress this year if he is to remain with the team for the second season of his contract. The absence of Kubica may make his life a little easier, but Nick Heidfeld will be no pushover. If he defeats the German over the course of the season his place on the grid will be justified; should he lose out to a driver considered little more than a journeyman questions will again arise over his ability to compete at the sport's highest level.

Photo: Lotus Renault GP Media / Andrew Ferraro / LAT Photographic