Petrov thrilled to be able to grow with Caterham

Vitaly Petrov almost didn’t make it to F1 in 2012 – he was not present at Jerez for the first tests of the season. He was later confirmed as a full-time driver, replacing Jarno Trulli.

« It was obviously a difficult winter. It would be the same for anyone who was unsure about keeping their job in the new year. But even though it was tough at times, I never stopped believing that things would work out, and that’s what happened, » Vitaly Petrov shared in an interview with the official Formula 1 website.

The Russian driver was not retained by the Lotus Renault GP team – now Lotus F1. Petrov was informed of the situation by the Enstone team in December and set about finding another solution for 2012 from that moment on.

« As soon as we [editor’s note: with his manager] became aware of the situation with Renault [editor’s note: Lotus F1], we started working on a solution. And Caterham has always been the best option and the one in which I saw the most potential, so it’s really great that we were able to arrive at this solution. I’m not really relieved but just happy to be in my new team. »

Even though the Russian driver made his F1 debut only two years ago, he believes he can bring his experience to certain aspects of the Caterham team. He has already been part of a higher-caliber team and had the opportunity to drive with KERS, while Caterham is discovering the system this year.

« I think the team knows they have someone who can grow with them and help them develop. There are some elements obviously, like the fact that I used the KERS last year and was in a bigger team. I know how they operate and I can help point out areas where Caterham can grow. »

Vitaly Petrov confided that the possibility of joining a team in development and being able to participate in its development was what motivated him to join the team led by Tony Fernandes.

« I know I’ve said it before, but I think [I chose Caterham] for the opportunity to grow there. Things with Renault were fantastic at times, but tricky at times as well, and even though they have a history, Caterham is growing rapidly and wants to write its own story, so the chance to be part of it is a great feeling. »

Vitaly Petrov was able to test the CT01 during the two pre-season testing sessions held in Barcelona, and the Russian driver is quite confident for the 2012 season. The CT01 is not like the R31 he drove in 2011, and he admitted that he needs to adapt his driving style.

Apart from the Renault engine, [the single-seater] is completely different. The whole car seems different and one of my main tasks is to change my driving style to get the most out of it. I think I need to be less aggressive with the car than last year, so it’s something I’m working on with my engineer.

Even though Petrov sees potential with the CT01, he thinks it’s still too early to set targets for 2012. It is not yet certain that the team will be able to regularly fight in the middle of the pack, and his goal for this new season will be to give his best in every race.

« I think it’s still too early to say [if we will be battling in the midfield]. The team remains very cautious about what it wants to achieve this year, so I think the most important thing for me is to do the best I can and help them beat some teams that are ahead. »

Beyond 2012, Petrov is also thinking about his long-term future with Caterham. Since his arrival in F1, the Russian driver has only one desire, to drive a F1 car at his national Grand Prix. His dream could be realized in 2014, with the addition of the Russian Grand Prix to the calendar. Petrov therefore hopes to be present with Caterham on the starting grid of his national Grand Prix.

« I think it’s impossible to have a Russian Grand Prix without a Russian driver! It’s one of the biggest motivations for me – to make sure I’m on the grid in 2014. It must be the same for every athlete in every sport. Being able to compete in front of your home crowd is something that holds a lot of significance and it’s important for me to be there and in a car that allows me to play a role, » added Petrov.