Vitaly Petrov - Photo Credit: Andrew Ferraro/LAT Photographic
Formula 1 ace Vitaly Petrov has become the latest driver to sign up to this year's Race Of Champions in Dusseldorf.
The Russian Lotus Renault GP driver will be the first ever driver from Eastern Europe to compete in the Race Of Champions.
“It was a great honour to be the first Russian driver in Formula 1 – and now I'm delighted to become the first Russian to compete at the Race Of Champions,” said Petrov.
“I've followed the event for a long time and I know that all the drivers claim to be there for fun, while pushing as hard as ever in the cars. I've never raced in an event with such a quick turnaround of machinery but perhaps my unusual background in rally sprints and ice racing can help me. I'll give my best and see what happens.”
Petrov joins fellow F1 drivers Sebastian Vettel, Jenson Button and Michael Schumacher in being confirmed for this year's event, as well as Renault colleague Romain Grosjean. The event will take place in the ESPRIT arena on December 3-4.
“We're always aiming to expand our horizons at the Race Of Champions so we're thrilled to have our first Russian driver on board,” said ROC organiser Fredrik Johnsson. “Vitaly had a great GP2 career and he has carried that over to Formula 1 in the past two years. We look forward to seeing him take on ROC's best in December.”
