Lotus Renault has confirmed that Vitaly Petrov will partner Robert Kubica next year in the Formula One world championship after the Russian extended his contract until the end of the 2012 season.
Petrov joined Renault this season, becoming the first Russian driver to compete in Formula One. He finished 13th in the drivers’ standings with 27 points, 109 fewer than his Polish teammate.
Petrov said “I am very happy to continue with the team and proud to be representing Lotus Renault GP for the 2011 and 2012 seasons.”
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Lotus and Renault agreed to a seven-season deal last month to create Lotus Renault GP. Group Lotus will own and run the team while Renault will supply the engines and technical support.
Renault finished fifth in the 2010 constructors’ championship with Kubica and Petrov on board.