Petrov poised for Renault drive

[John S]

 
I can't think of another reason why Petrov should be at the Valencia track so it looks like a done deal. I wonder how the entourages of the two drivers, being Russian and Polish, will get on; there's a lot of bad history between the countries?

By Jonathan Noble Autosport, Today

Russia could have its first Formula 1 driver in a matter of hours, as Vitaly Petrov's arrival at the Valencia track on Sunday heightened speculation he will be announced at Renault later on.

Renault has been evaluating several contenders for the slot alongside Robert Kubica in 2010, and the team even considered at one point waiting until after this week's first F1 pre-season test before making a decision. However, Petrov has emerged as the leading contender over recent days - with sources suggesting he visited the Enstone factory last week to further his talks.

Although the team has so far kept quiet about Petrov's position, he turned up at the Valencia track on Sunday and was seen in talks with Renault personnel, including team principal Eric Boullier, inside the team's motorhome.

The Russian, 25, finished in second place in last year's GP2 series, behind German Nico Hulkenberg, who will race for Williams this year.

[FW14B]

It has now been confirmed.

[Dare]

John you accidentially hit on a plan to liven
up F1.Make the teams hire drivers from countries
that hate each other