The first ever Russian in Formula 1, Vitaly Petrov, has been awarded as the country’s best racing driver in 2010.

­The annual prize is given as a result of sporting journalists’ votes, organized by Russia’s “Za Rulem” magazine since 1996.

“I’m very happy that I won this award. A lot of Russian drivers achieved success on the international arena last year, so the competition was very tight. I want to thank everybody who voted for me,” Petrov said on his official website.

The 23-year-old became the first driver to take the prestigious award for the second time.  

Vitaly Petrov made his Formula 1 debut for Renault at the start of the 2010 season. He finished 13th in the overall Drivers’ Championship, with a fifth place finish at the Hungarian Grand Prix being his best result.

The Russian has extended his contract with the Lotus Renault team for 2011 and 2012 in December last year.