Renault unveiled Russian Vitaly Petrov as their second driver for 2010 at Sunday’s car launch in Valencia.
The 25-year-old will make his Formula 1 debut for the French team alongside former BMW Sauber driver Robert Kubica.
Petrov will drive an F1 car for the first time when the opening winter test gets under way at the Ricardo Torno circuit near Valencia on Monday.
Renault secured their future in F1 after the Genii Capital group bought a 75% stake in the team in late 2009. BBC Sport
Last season’s GP2 runner-up, is understood to have landed his seat courtesy of the considerable financial support he has behind him.
Following the exit of ING as their title sponsor towards the end of last season, the new livery is now a striking yellow and black.
The ‘crashgate’ scandal that hit the headlines last season also considerably damaged the team’s reputation.
However, the intervention of Genii has had a significant impact, with Kubica opting to remain as there were doubts he would stay at a time when Renault’s future was being debated. The Press Association
“This is a great opportunity for me and I’m really looking forward to working with the team this season,” said Petrov.
“I’ve always dreamed of racing in Formula 1 and so to make my debut with a top team like Renault is very exciting.
“The first race is just over a month away so I will make sure I spend as much time as possible with the team over the next few weeks so that I am fully prepared in time for Bahrain.”
Despite Renault’s bruising experiences with Piquet and Grosjean in the past two years, new team principal Eric Boullier is confident its latest rookie will make the grade.
“This is a very special day for Vitaly and we welcome him into the team,” he said.
“As a rookie, we recognise that Vitaly will have a lot to learn this season, but his performances in GP2 last year were outstanding and confirmed that he is ready to make the step up to Formula 1. ITV
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