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Petrov makes Renault F1 debut
Published: 04 February, 2010, 13:30
Edited: 04 February, 2010, 23:56
Renault's Russian driver Vitaly Petrov (AFP Photo / Pedro Armestre)
Vitaly Petrov, the first Russian driver in Formula 1, has taken to the wheel of his Renault for the first time at a test session at the Cheste circuit in Valencia, Spain.
Seven drivers, including home favorite Fernando Alonso, who was trying out his Ferrari for the first time, and returning legend Michael Schumacher all took part in the test session in front of 30,000 fans.
Petrov, 25, took sixth place after completing his fastest lap in 1:13.097, which is nearly two seconds slower than the result of winner Alonso (1:11.470).
Pedro De la Rosa, representing BMW Sauber, lost to his Spanish countryman by less than half a second (1:12,094), while Mercedes GP’s Michael Schumacher was third fastest, with the result of 1:12.438.
The new Formula 1 season is set to kick off on March 14 with the Bahrain Grand Prix.
03.02.2010, 12:31
New F1 points system encourages “race to win”Motor sports governing body FIA has changed the points system for Formula 1’s 2010 season, with the race winner receiving more points than in previous years. |
05.02.2010, 12:10
Petrov settles down in Formula 1What's 25 years old, rides on four wheels, and travels at hundreds of kilometers an hour? The answer is Vitaly Petrov – the first ever Russian to race in Formula One. |
Vitali Petrov is a huge PR treasure for the Russian state. You will see soon a lot of envy for Vitali but for Russian state too. Gazprom must support Vitali and Moscow must get a F1 Grand Prix.