Petrov Vows to Fight the Ferraris, McLarens in 2011

Vitaly Petrov was confirmed by Lotus Renault for the upcoming two seasons of Formula One, and shortly after vowed to repay the team's confidence in him by meeting its expectations for 2011. Now Russia has thrown another important investor to financially back his career in the series, and the 26-year old again promised not to disappoint, this time to his home nation.

Several media reported yesterday that Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin held private talks with some of Russia's innovation companies, Vitaly Petrov and his manager in order to set up a new financial scheme for the only Russian driver in Formula One. Needless to say, all discussions went well, since it was confirmed state technology company Rostekhnologii will sponsor the Vyborn-born driver in 2011.

“Vitaly Petrov is becoming increasingly known by motor racing fans. He has signed a contract for two years and obviously needs help,” said Putin after the meeting. “Mainly financial support. So we met to discuss this issue.”

And wanting to repay his debts to the Russian nation, Petrov made an overenthusiastic promise when talking to Spanish sports newspaper Marca.

“I will try to do everything in my hands to fight with the leaders Ferrari and McLaren,” said Petrov, while admitting that the winter testing period will be decisive in setting up a competitive package for the upcoming season.

“We will see how the team has prepared the new car,” he concluded.

In 2010, his first season in Formula One, Petrov was asked to score half the points of his more experienced teammate Robert Kubica. However, while the Pole scored 136 points overall, Petrov had to settle for 27.