Sponsor holding up Petrov's 2012 plans - manager

Vitaly Petrov's manager on Monday admitted an indecisive sponsor is delaying the Russian driver's plans for 2012.

It is rumoured Caterham is contemplating ousting Jarno Trulli, should Renault refugee Petrov's sponsors agree to buy out the Italian veteran's contract.

The former Lotus squad on Monday announced its test schedule for Jerez this week, with Heikki Kovalainen driving on the first two days, followed by new Dutch test driver Giedo van der Garde.

Trulli is scheduled to drive only on Friday.

Oksana Kosachenko, Petrov's manager, told Ria Novosti news agency that time is running out for a race seat.

"Of course, he is not very comfortable because we expected them to move a little bit faster," she said, referring to an indecisive sponsor.

"Without these decisions, we cannot move forward."

Kosachenko also hinted there are "other options" for Petrov, most likely an official reserve driver role.

"If, within the next few days, we don't succeed, we are going to talk to some other series and probably we are going to talk to Pirelli as well," she added.

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 inlinesix inlinesix
Russians buying a race seat from the Malaysians. Says a lot about the current state of F1.
-1
February 6, 2012 11:20 am
 sideskraper sideskraper
If it turns out to be true, it says that F1 has truly become a global sport.
February 7, 2012 1:59 am
 inlinesix inlinesix
A global sport in which big sponsor money comes before talent. I'm glad someone out there likes watching well-connected kids take the ultimate theme park ride.
February 7, 2012 3:51 am
 sideskraper sideskraper
So, then geography doesn't matter then does it? Malaysian owners or Russian drivers, makes no difference. Sponsor money has come before talent for an extremely long time. But to say Petrov has no talent is wrong. He clearly has talent, and can be a very exciting driver. Is he a Vettel or Hamilton? No. Does he deserve a seat on the grid? Certainly more than many of the drivers who will be lining up behind the wheel of a car this year.
February 7, 2012 6:34 am