Formula 1: Vitaly Petrov 2010 at Renault F1

It was a last second decision. It's not official yet, but the presence of Vitaly Petrov in the paddock in Valencia already indicates what R enault will be announced on Sunday (January 31st) at 4.30pm.

Renault: First presentation then test drives

The 25-year-old from Vyborg, Russia, appeared in the paddock of Valencia in the morning. Petrov lives in the Spanish metropolis, but what other reason should he appear if not that of his presentation as the second driver at Renault? There's only something to see from tomorrow on the 4.005-kilometer Circuito Ricardo Tormo just outside Valencia. Only then do the cars take to the track.

Petrov prevailed against at least nine competitors. In the end, in addition to the vice-champion of the GP2 series, Romain Grosjean, Takuma Sato and Jacques Villeneuve were also shortlisted. Grosjean was sponsored by gasoline sponsor Total, Sato waved sponsorship money from Japan, and Villeneuve is a friend of the new team owner Gérard Lopez.

Sponsorship money and the Russian market

Petrov is not only interested in the rumored dowry in the allegedly double-digit million range. As the first Russian in Formula 1, he opens a completely new sponsorship market. And Petrov is not just a paydriver. With the vice title in GP2, the son of the head of the Russian customs authorities also showed that he can step on the gas.

GP2 champion Nico Hulkenberg has a lot of faith in his opponent: 'Petrov is an incredibly hard worker and he is faster than many people think.'