Russian apologises to Renault after critical television interview
Last Updated: November 18, 2011 1:15pm
Petrov: Heated interview after Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
Vitaly Petrov has apologised to Renault after criticising his team's strategy calls and car upgrades during a television interview in his native Russia.
Speaking on Friday, Petrov's manager Oksana Kossatchenko said that the 27-year-old had spoken to Russia 2 television in the heat of the moment after last weekend's race in Abu Dhabi but immediately regretted his comments.
"It was an emotional interview," she said. "It was an exception and he apologised afterwards to the team. It will never happen again.
"We are really sorry and the management has discussed it with Vitaly already."
Kossatchenko said she had spoken to Renault team principal Eric Boullier and owner Gerard Lopez. There was no immediate comment from Renault, who are preparing for the season-ending race in Brazil next week.
Petrov, who finished a lapped 13th in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, told the television channel that although his contract barred him from saying anything bad about the team, he had to speak out.
"I haven't criticised the team despite what we have lost so many times. How much have we missed at pitstops? With strategy?" he asked.
"We have lost positions in about 10 races or even more. Even without a fast car we could have gained good points, we could have finished with points if we had had a good strategy.
"But I couldn't say in interviews that we lost it with the pitstops, and I cannot talk about that now either. But I can't keep silent any more - it is over. I can't keep everything inside anymore."
Speculation
Petrov, Russia's first Formula One driver, has a contract for next year although there has been some speculation about his future.
The outburst triggered fresh speculation about his relations with the team, who are changing their name to Lotus for 2012 after reaching an agreement with the rival team that currently carries the name.
Petrov finished third in the season-opening race in Australia but has scored just five points in the last 11 races.
His team-mates have done no better, with Nick Heidfeld replaced in August by Bruno Senna, who has managed to score just two points since then.
Petrov said that Renault's R31 car, which features an innovative forward-facing exhaust, had been good for the first few races but the team had then failed to develop it.
"When the windtunnel developments came, the new parts, because of the front exhausts, they didn't work. We worked on the front wing, the rear wing, the diffusers, the floor - but whatever we changed it was useless," he said.
Boullier, meanwhile, has confirmed his intention to have two big-name drivers in his cars from 2013.
It is looking increasingly unlikely Robert Kubica will return for next season, although Boullier is prepared to give him a few more weeks to state whether he will be fit.
If Kubica, who is continuing with rehabilitation after his serious rallying accident in February, indicates next year is too soon it leaves Boullier choosing from Petrov, Senna and GP2 champion Romain Grosjean.
The Frenchman has also been contacted by 2007 world champion Kimi Raikkonen's manager, Steve Robertson, as the Finn seems poised to return to F1 after a two-year absence.
"I don't want just one lead driver. In the short term - in the next two to three years - I want two big names," Boullier told formula1.com.
"I want to fight with the big names, with Vettel and Webber, Hamilton and Button. So yes, I need two big names and the target is to have two big names by 2014 or even 2013.
"Next year we know will be another year for rebuilding the team and so we are not in the position to attract big names now.
Priority
"And by the way, the driver market is closed anyway for 2012 so our priority is not to have a big name in the car but to have a fast car which can then be given to a big name to win races.
"We should do it in this order and not the other way around, even though I would agree a big name would help to make the car better, definitely."
As for Kubica, the Pole is running out of time to prove himself to Boullier.
"The situation with Robert is easy. We have a moral obligation to make sure we give him a chance," Boullier added.
"I am waiting for him to tell me how he feels. I need a commitment from him.
"We also need to make a plan if it (his recovery) is not going as planned, as I don't want the team to be blamed.
"It was him who got me in trouble this year, and now if he can't come back he has to tell us about it. He has to tell us, but we also must not be stupid. We need a plan."
Boullier expects the situation to be resolved "very soon", adding: "We are ready, the car is ready for a test and if it takes time then obviously it's because he is not ready.
"Then we reach something very emotional. The driver needs to convince himself he can drive, both mentally and physically."
Credit: Sky Sports (www.skysports.com)
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