Renault sets ten-day deadline on Petrov's 2012 F1 future
Vitaly Petrov’s manager confirms the Russian driver has until 10 December to secure his place at Lotus Renault GP, following Kimi Raikkonen’s signing.
Renault has given Vitaly Petrov a ten-day deadline to determine whether he will remain with the team for the 2012 Formula One season, following the announcement that Kimi Raikkonen will join the Enstone-based squad next year. Petrov’s manager, Oksana Kosachenko, confirmed the timeframe on Tuesday, as speculation intensified over the Russian driver’s future.
Petrov, 27, has a contract to race for the team in 2012, but the arrival of Raikkonen has thrown his position into doubt. Kosachenko travelled to the team’s headquarters in Enstone for urgent discussions, coinciding with the Raikkonen announcement. She told the Russian news agency Ria Novosti that Renault had given her until 10 December to resolve Petrov’s status. “After today’s decision was announced, I was given a very short amount of time, literally ten days. We have until December 10 to decide if Vitaly stays or leaves,” Kosachenko said.
The situation leaves Petrov’s future dependent on further talks between his management and the team’s owners. When asked whether Petrov could benefit from partnering 2007 world champion Raikkonen, Kosachenko replied that it was still an open question whether Petrov would remain with the team. She pointed to ongoing speculation about other drivers, including Romain Grosjean and Bruno Senna, who are also believed to be in contention for the second seat.
Raikkonen’s return and team changes
The signing of Raikkonen marks his return to Formula One after two years away, during which he competed in the World Rally Championship and NASCAR. The decision to bring in the former Ferrari and McLaren driver has added to uncertainty within the team, which will race as Lotus in 2012. Reports have also suggested that team principal Eric Boullier’s position could be under threat as part of wider changes at Enstone.
Petrov joined Renault in 2010 and became the first Russian to compete in Formula One. He scored a podium at the 2011 Australian Grand Prix but has faced criticism for inconsistent results. The team’s decision to sign Raikkonen, and the subsequent deadline for Petrov, comes amid a competitive driver market, with several experienced and well-funded candidates seeking a seat for 2012.
Next steps for Petrov and Renault
With the deadline set for 10 December, Petrov’s future will depend on the outcome of discussions between his management and the team. If an agreement is reached, Petrov is expected to stay; if not, the team could opt for another driver. The situation remains fluid, with no final decision announced.
