Petrov has 10 days to decide his future
After signing Kimi Räikkönen for two years, the Lotus Renault team gave Vitaly Petrov 10 days to decide whether he wants to stay with the team or not.
Vitaly Petrov signed a two-year contract with Lotus Renault GP last year, meaning he would have an option guaranteeing him a seat for 2012. He could therefore team up with Räikkönen next year, but the Russian must give a response to LRGP within 10 days according to his manager.
After the announcement of today’s (yesterday’s) decision, I was given a very short period of time, 10 days. We have until December 10 to decide whether Vitaly stays or leaves, » Oksana Kosachenko told RIA Novosti.
Kosachenko is expected to go to Enstone today to discuss with the LRGP team officials, Eric Boullier the Team Principal, and probably Gérard Lopez, the team owner. Oksana Kosachenko also told the Russian publication that Petrov had other opportunities since she is in discussions with two other teams she declined to name.
This ultimatum set by LRGP clearly shows that the team can afford to choose between Petrov, Senna, and Grosjean to race in 2012 alongside Kimi Räikkönen. The Russian would be the best positioned, particularly thanks to the sponsors he brings, but on this specific point, Bruno Senna would not be left behind either.
Romain Grosjean is still in the running for this second seat because, according to AutoHebdo.fr, Total is expected to renew its contract with LRGP for 2012 and beyond, and the French oil company that supports Grosjean could include a clause to place a French driver in the team for the next year.
Grosjean could also be the favorite because he is the youngest of the three candidates, 25 years old compared to 27 for Petrov and 28 for Senna. Team Lotus might be tempted to put a young driver alongside Räikkönen so he can learn from the 2007 world champion.
