Vitaly Petrov replaces Jarno Trulli at Caterham – Formula 1 news
Vitaly Petrov has replaced Jarno Trulli for the 2012 season for Caterham.
It had been speculated for some time now that Trulli’s position in the team is in jeopardy as the team was looking to get a driver bringing in more sponsors. Petrov who has remained without a race seat since he left Lotus previously known as Renault was
named to partner Heikki Kovalainen for the upcoming season.
Team principal Tony Fernandes was in praise of the new entrant to the team and said that Petrov shared the same vision as the team and everyone is delighted to have such a talented driver on board. He mentioned that now the team is looking forward to the
2012 season.
Petrov is the first Russian to race Formula 1 and Fernandes mentioned that it is going to be of great importance to him to carry the hopes of a huge nation. It will be also beneficial for the team as it works to establish itself as one of the top teams in
the sport.
Petrov was very excited over his inclusion and said, “This is a very exciting day for me I would like to thank Tony, Kamarudin Meranun and SM Nasarudin for giving me the chance to join a team that made its F1 debut at the same time as me, and has grown from
one of the new teams to a serious force for future honours.”
Fernandes mentioned Trulli’s contribution to the team as well and said that he was an extremely talented driver who has great potential he also wished him all the best in his future endeavours.
“I also want to take this opportunity to thank Jarno for the absolutely pivotal role he played in the formation and progression of our team since he joined us in December 2009,” he added.
Caterham was the first one to unveil its 2012 challenger and had a fair run at the first pre-season test held at Jerez.
The next test will be held in Barcelona on February 21, 2012. The team will be looking to up the ante at Barcelona as teams quickly adjust their new cars for optimum performance ahead of the season.
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