Petrov Russified Formula 1 »

Russian rider Vitaly Petrov signed a two-year contract with the team on the Formula 1 »Renault, where he, along with Robert Kubica, the prize will be a pilot. Thus, he became the first Russian racer in the history of the Grand Prix. " Happened is what always dreamed of domestic fans of the "Formula 1", which for lack of a national hero had to choose from characters of other nationalities. It's amazing: a nation in which only the sayings and priskazok of fast driving a pair of scores, was not represented in the "Formula 1" or a racer. Even the Japanese have time to participate in the Royal race, not to mention the Indians. The list of attempts to somehow Russify "Formula 1" is present and Sergey Zlobin, worked for some time test driver Minardi, and numerous rumors about the impending purchase of one or the other "stable", the Herculean efforts to lay the first stone of the road Grand Prix of Russia, which was to cause a rapid interest in the Russian market. However, Zlobin in the Grand Prix "and was not late to buy even the most run-down command is like to cut a hole in your pocket where the money is, and the numerous projects of the Russian stage races remained projects. "The Shot" is perhaps our last hope in any way attach himself to this holiday roaring engines. Starting from the bottom, Vitaly Petrov was hard to top for any rider - prize pilot status "Formula 1". After many series of shtetl, among whom were two Russian - Formula 1600 and Lada Revolution, they have successfully won in 2006, Vitali was in GP2. Place in the final three of this series allows the pilot to speak superlitsenziyu FIA in Formula 1 and guarantees the interest on the part of employers. However, one of the three still had to take. And this success Petrov was a long four years: his first victory, he won only in 2007, the second - in 2008, and two victories in 2009, he had enough for the title of vice-champion. He confidently began the season and for a long time, was second after his team mate Barwa Addax Romain Grosjean. And when the Frenchman went on to rise, replacing Renault screwed up Nelson Piquet, Jr., Vitali even came in first place. But in the end he still lost to the title Hyulkenbergeru Nico, who this season will also act as "big prizes". It is worth noting that throughout the season, Petrov six times do not reach to the finish because of engine problems, and this is a technical question. And how many points he got out of it - the big question. Success in GP2, hateful Fair talent naturally attracted to the 25-year old Russian attention. As many as five teams expressed a desire to see him in their ranks. According to Oksana Kosachenko, manager of racing, four of them were top-end, and a fifth - Campos - beginner "Formula 1". Should I really treat phrase of the four top teams? Hardly. Firstly, at that time only two top teams are not decided on the prize-winning pilots, and, secondly, an experienced manager should be able to put pressure on stakeholders. Renault also proved to be perhaps the best option for the Russians. Young start from the beginning the team, not really shikuyuschaya and not seeking a top-end expensive pilots. An excellent place to start a career. So in due time began, and the legendary Michael Schumacher. Just like Schumacher, paid for his place and Vitaly Petrov. The only difference is that in that far in 1991 the future of the Red Baron is a cost of only $ 200,000. The amount that had to put Russian citizen, is not called. However, judging by the current realities, it is - a few million euros. On the eve of signing the contract in the media has information about the desire of Sberbank and Gazprom of Russia to sponsor the pilot and to pay for his place in the Renault € 15 million, the maximum amount at the moment for all pilots. However, immediately after signing the contract manager, Petrov said that to find sponsors for them failed, and to arrange a son, father, Vitali had to pawn their belongings. If this is true, then shame on our heads. And homage to his father a driver apparently a very rich man. Meanwhile, Renault has introduced a Petrov as a prize pilot. Russian with his partner - Pole Robert Kubica - also took part in the presentation of a new racing car team, which this season will wear black and yellow coloring, which is known by classical models Renault 80-ies of XX century. Following the presentation of the team manager Eric Bouyer, together with the riders became a member of photo shoots on the background of the machine. "I'm really happy, it's unbelievable - said after the presentation of Petrov. - Something that I waited so long. Two or three days ago, finally was decided that I will play for Renault in Formula 1. " And most importantly! I have disabled all mobile phones and intends to begin working hard with the team. " Renault boss Eric Bouyer maneuvered to disown the financial issue in terms of signing the Russian rider. "The financial issue was not for us the main thing. The question was simple: we will either invite an experienced rider, who could earn some points, or the young pilot. We wanted it to be a pilot with a good athletic performance. Therefore, in our list was Vitaly Petrov. At some point we had to decide what we need to bet - on experience or youth. We chose Vitali, who, in our view, combines these two trends. Well, in that he is Russian, there are certain tactical sense: it will give us interest on the part of the Russian market. This perspective not only for our team, but for the whole of Formula 1. " Vitaly Petrov will debut March 14, 2010 at the first stage of a Formula 1 - Bahrain Grand Prix. Dossier Vitaly Petrov was born on September 8, 1984 in Vyborg (Leningrad region). Honours: World-class athlete, winner of best racer of Russia, Lada Cup (2002), champion of Russia in the class "Formula-1600" (2005), the champion in class Lada Revolution (2005), runner-up Lada Revolution (2004 ), the third winner of GP2 Asia (2008), runner-GP2 (2009). In 2010, signed a contract with the team on the Formula 1 »Renault F1 Team.