Petrov unlikely to remain with Caterham beyond 2012
25 September, 2012
Sep.25 (GMM) Vitaly Petrov’s Formula One career is undoubtedly in a state of crisis, after his manager called off talks with prospective teams in her quest for a 2013 race seat for the Russian driver, and had a sarcastic quip for Caterham team boss Tony Fernandes.
In the team’s post-race media statement after Singapore, boss Tony Fernandes hinted that there would soon be positive news about Heikki Kovalainen’s future.
“We’re very pleased for Tony that he has positive news,” said Oksana Kosachenko on Tuesday. “But we’d like it if this news had some sort of connection to the car’s development and not just to Heikki.”
Kosachenko told the Russian news agency Ria Novosti that the former Renault and now Caterham driver’s sponsorship funds have dried up.
She said recently that she was “in talks about 2013 with three or four teams”.
“We’ve taken a timeout now,” Kosachenko said on Tuesday. ”I need time to consolidate all our financial possibilities and understand if there’s sense in continuing any talks. If there’s no money, then there’s no driver.”
Kosachenko said last month that the Russian government had pulled its backing of Petrov, which was in the form of sponsorships from state-controlled Russian Helicopters and chemicals manufacturer Sibur.
Petrov, 28, ousted Caterham’s Jarno Trulli at the last minute ahead of the 2012 season, but Kosachenko said she would not spend the winter in similarly urgent talks.
She said she would instead look at the possibility of “other projects” for Petrov.
Subbed by AJN.
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- Petrov 2012 F1 plans dogged by sponsor delays
- Petrov to reveal 2012 plans this month
@fapper, I believe it was down to Vitaly’s efforts in Brazil that kept Caterham ahead of Marussia. And didn’t Vitaly beat Heikki this year too? Learn about F1 before you make silly remarks like that.
@Alemar, totally agree
Lol… cant drive? tell that to alonso at Yas Marina. Alonso… Petrov is faster than you. Everyone lost memory? Alonso couldnt overtake him the whole night. Im still laughing.
petrov should get the boot after this season. if only the catherham team retained jarno, they could have performed better. but with petrov, no wonder he was kicked out of the lotus renault team.
Worst driver F1 has ever seen – Mr. Vitaly Petrov!!
He should get a new manager. Being Russian F1 driver and have financial problems just shows, how limited Mrs. Kosachenko’s friend list is.
Caterham have been passed by Marussia, and are now going backwards.
give another man a chance. must be the $
he needs to be out of F1, he cant drive for anything.