F1: Renault sign 'Vitaly' Russian
Posted by Syimah Tuesday, 02 February 2010 10:03
VITALY PETROV left his Lada driving days far behind on Sunday when he signed with Renault as Russia's first Formula One racer.
The 25-year-old from Vyborg, near the Finnish border, was runner-up in last year's GP2 support series to Germany's Nico Hulkenberg, who makes his debut with Williams this season.
Media reports have suggested the Russian could bring around US$15m of backing to Renault, who faced a big hole in their budget after losing title sponsor ING at the end of last season.
HO-PIN TUNG broke new ground with Renault on Sunday when be became the first Chinese driver to be named in a Formula One team line-up.
The Dutch-born 27-year-old, already the first Chinese national to drive a grand prix car, will be Renault's official third (reserve) driver this season. Tung will also be racing in the GP2 support series.
THE Sauber team unveiled their new car for the 2010 Formula One season, the C29, on Sunday.
It will be driven by Spanish veteran Pedro de la Rosa and Japanese newcomer Kamui Kobayashi.
The team is still registered under the name BMW Sauber F1, but German car-making giant BMW pulled out of the sport last season for strategic reasons and has not met any of the construction costs surrounding the C29. A spokesperson confirmed that the new car will be powered by a Ferrari engine, although the Italian manufacturers' name will not be associated with the team.Agencies
