Renault Does “Pravda,” or is it Arnoux and Prost
Vitaly Petrov will make history by becoming the first Russian to compete in Formula One, after Renault confirmed the 25-year-old as their second driver for the 2010 season.
Petrov, 25 will drive alongside Poland’s Robert Kubica, who helped the Russian unveil the new R30 car, which sports the team’s historic yellow and black colors.
So I guess Renault has “done Pravda,” in one sense. And in the colors they have chosen to enter the wayback machine recalling the days of René Arnoux and Alain Prost.
Petrov finished second in last’s season GP2 series with 11 podium finishes including four victories, but he was well behind champion Nico Hulkenburg of Germany, who will make his F1 debut with Williams this season.
Renault F1’s new team principal Eric Boullier to be pleased with the retro-look: For me it’s definitely a good decision and I think the car looks stunning - it’s eye-catching and reminds people of Renault’s heritage in the sport. It reminds me of when I was a kid, watching Arnoux, Prost… It also sends out a clear message about Renault’s commitment to Formula One.
Vitaly Petrov says he is ready to be thrust into the spotlight in Russia now he has become the country’s first Formula 1 driver - but is confident he can handle the attention.
He admitted that the Russian media had already begun showing a much bigger interest.
“Yeah, now it is a big explosion in Russia,” Petrov said.
“The TV and newspapers keep calling me and asking me [questions]. “But you know what I did? I turned off my phone and try to concentrate with the team here to try and first understand Formula 1 as this is something new for me.
“But I hope it will be good.”
Petrov’s 4 years in GP2 & GP2Asia were privately funded by his old man. Over those 4 years he has developed into a safe pair of hands, but no more, one win & four podiums for 09. His budget is reported to be between 10-15M Euro’s!!!! Daddy adopt me!
Sad that Renault’s new owners have to resort to running a paid driver for Kubica’s team mate.
Have you seen the new “BMW”?….No sponsors. Peter Sauber has been described as a “reluctant” team owner after BMW folded its tents….no wonder.
BTW, is that last years’s Renault with a paint job, where is the added length & the extra 120lt fuel tank?
I read several Sauber quotes that sure indicate he’s not happy to be back.