Rookie Petrov became Russia's first F1 driver when he lined up for Renault

"Vitaly Petrov came through the ranks in GP2, F1's feeder series.

"He finished runner-up in 2009 to Nico Hulkenberg, and Petrov has now become Russian's first F1 driver.

"It's not easy being Robert Kubica's team-mate and Petrov has shown a lot of pace, especially in Hungary, but he makes a lot of mistakes.

"Comfortably holding off Fernando Alonso for most of the race in Abu Dhabi marked his coming of age as an F1 driver. He still needs to bring more control to his driving."

Name three attributes an F1 driver must have

Calmness, work efficiency - and speed, of course

What is the hardest thing about being an F1 driver?

You have to work within the same direction with the whole team, improve car speed and performance and describe your feelings to engineers. Plus a lot of media attention is hard too.

Formula 1 is not just about the car because…

... it will never ever move without a driver

If I was in charge of Formula 1 I would…

PETROV STATS & FACTS Team: Renault Team-mate Robert Kubica Nationality: Russian Born: 8/9/1984, Vyborg Grand Prix debut: Bahrain, 2010

... try my best to improve entertainment, increase overtaking and improve safety. And control costs as well - small teams face hard times now.

If I could drive in any era of Formula 1 it would be…

The current one - we have four World Champions on the 2010 entry list! This season looks really cool.

Who is your best friends among the drivers?

At the moment I don't have a lot. Some guys that I've known from GP2 - Kamui Kobayashi and Nico Hulkenberg. Robert Kubica, of course. And Luca Filippi - we grew up together from junior Formulae.

Which F1 driver tells the worst jokes?

No one yet.

Describe yourself in a few words.

I'm ready to work hard, self-confident and calm

Do you excel at any other sports?

I was rather strong in judo, taekwondo and football some time before.

What car(s) other than an F1 car do you drive?

The team provides me with Renault road cars, mostly Meganes.

What is your favourite song and what does it remind you of?

I really like when my father and brother sing. It reminds me of simple and very important things - family, friendship and home.

What's the last book that you read?

Three Comrades by Erich Maria Remarque.

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