GreenBkk Formula 1 | Petrov keeps his Renault seat

Petrov keeps his Renault seat

Renault have confirmed Russian Vitaly Petrov as their second driver for the next two seasons.

Petrov had a frustrating debut season in Formula One, finishing more than 100 points behind team-mate Robert Kubica in the Drivers' Championship.

Although his bosses insisted throughout the season that Petrov was their "preferred choice" to partner Kubica next year, they admitted they were disappointed with his inability to show consistency.

However, he has clearly done enough to impress the powers that be and has signed a contract extension that ties him down to the team until 2012.

"I am very happy to continue with the team and proud to be representing Lotus Renault GP for the 2011 and 2012 seasons," Petrov said.

"I learned a lot about the sport, the circuits and the car this year. That will help me improve even more in the future. I am very excited about working with this great team once more, and I'm confident that I will deliver.

"In many ways, 2010 was about learning. 2011 will be about performing. Today, I feel I am ready to rise to this challenge."

Team boss Eric Boullier is confident the 26-year-old can build on a "promising 2010 campaign".

"We are very pleased to confirm that Vitaly will be staying with us for 2011 and 2012, in order that both he and the team can build on a promising 2010 campaign," Boullier said.

"The entire team has been working flat-out over the past months to improve our competitiveness, and a stable driver line-up is essential to achieving our targets.

"Robert Kubica provides a remarkable benchmark for both speed and consistency, and we are certain that Vitaly will move closer to this level of performance next year."

Renault F1 owner Gerard Lopez is delighted that the team now have a foothold in Russia.

"Thanks to Vitaly and the team, Russia is opening up to Formula 1," said Lopez. "Over the past few months, we've established close links with this country and with some of its strongest companies.

"We're looking forward to building on this special relationship and turning it into a very successful adventure over the next two seasons."

Credit: PlanetF1.com (www.planetf1.com)