Caterham signs a Russian sponsor

Vitaly Petrov was recently announced as the official driver for the Caterham F1 team, replacing Jarno Trulli for the 2012 season. The Russian driver notably has the advantage of being able to bring sponsors to the Malaysian team. And this strategy is proving to be successful for Caterham, as they have announced the arrival of a Russian sponsor.

The Russian petrochemical company SIBUR supported Petrov when he arrived in F1, and the company’s logos notably appeared on the Lotus Renault F1 cars in 2011. However, the Russian driver was not retained by the Enstone team, and he found refuge with Caterham, with SIBUR deciding to follow its driver.

I am delighted that Vitaly’s career in Formula 1 continues with such an exciting new role at Caterham F1. Vitaly plays an important role for us, and for all Russians. Formula 1 combines cutting-edge technology and the highest level of competition, and these are concepts that SIBUR understands very well, stated Dmitry Konov, the head of SIBUR, in a press release published by Caterham.

Tony Fernandes, the head of the Caterham F1 team, also expressed his delight at the arrival of this new partner. He hopes to work hand in hand with the Russian company so that both parties can benefit from this budding collaboration.

We are delighted to welcome SIBUR to our team and to help them continue their relationship in F1 with Vitaly, and now with the Caterham F1 team. F1 is a global sport, and SIBUR’s investment in our sport is proof of the value that F1 can bring, both nationally and internationally, so we look forward to working closely with Mr. Konov and his team to help them achieve maximum benefit from this partnership, said Tony Fernandes, in the statement published on the Caterham F1 team’s website.

The SIBUR logos will appear on the CT-01 of Kovalainen and Petrov, as well as on Vitaly Petrov’s racing suit throughout the season.