Vitaly Petrov says he has what it takes to lead Lotus Renault despite the team seeking an experienced as his new team-mate.
Lotus Renault are currently a driver short for this season after Robert Kubica sustained career-threatening injuries in a rally crash last Sunday.
And although the Polish driver is determined to return to F1 before the season is over, his doctors are predicting it could take him a year to recover.
As a result, Lotus Renault are looking for someone to fill in for Kubica with the experienced Nick Heidfeld topping their list. The German will test for the team on either Saturday or Sunday at Jerez.
Petrov, though, reckons he is ready to lead the team's charge.
"Of course. I was ready before," said the Russian.
"Last year I was not ready because everything was new for me, but this year it is a little bit easier, but also more difficult with new rules, new tyres, and new aerodynamics - a lot of things.
"But I came here to fight so I must do this. Anyway, one day it would happen, it just happened a little bit earlier.
"But what has really changed? Of course something has changed for the team, but for me I have the same job like it was before. Even before if I asked something or was clear about a decision, they would do it for me."
However, he has backed the team's decision to seek an experienced driver, although admits he would rather have Kubica back in the fold.
"It's always good to have two experienced guys to take the maximum information for the team," he said.
"What is good is that our driving styles are quite similar. We chose so much the same set-up, brakes, and things like this. So we didn't change so much on the car from one driver to the other driver.
"But I want him (Kubica) to come back of course. Working with him, okay we were not always talking and eating together like good friends, but we had a good relationship trying to build the car together and work with the team."
Credit: PlanetF1.com (www.planetf1.com)
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