Petrov finished 13th in the F1 World Championship with 27 points

Formula 1 driver Vitaly Petrov has moved to Enstone, Oxfordshire in order to be closer to the Lotus Renault team.

Petrov, 26, who signed a two-year deal with Lotus Renault in December, was advised by team bosses he would need to move away from his Valencia base.

The Russian said: "I've no reason to stay in Spain, so I've taken the decision to move to Oxford.

"I was nervous about whether I would be given a new contract. It was my rookie year and I had made mistakes."

Lotus renewed Petrov's contract before Christmas, despite having a disappointing first season in F1, that saw him finish 13th in the Championship with just 27 points.

I feel with a year behind me in Formula 1 I will now be a much better driver. I want to show improvement, to be consistent and to get more points. F1 drive Vitaly Petrov

"Now I've re-signed I feel much happier. I've already spent a lot of time at the factory because I need to prepare myself with the engineers for this season.

"I feel with a year behind me in Formula One I will now be a much better driver. I want to show improvement, to be consistent and to get more points.

"I know where I need to improve and what I need to do, and I also know all the tracks, so it will be easier to work with the team and for them to work with me."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version