The Enstone-based Renault team unveiled Russian Vitaly Petrov as their second driver for 2010 at yesterday’s car launch in Valencia.
The 25-year-old will become Russia’s first F1 driver when he makes his debut in Bahrain on March 14 alongside former BMW Sauber driver Robert Kubica.
Petrov will drive an F1 car for the first time when the opening winter test gets under way at the Ricardo Torno circuit near Valencia today.
“I’m very happy,” said Petrov. “This is brilliant. I’ve waited a long time.”
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