04/01/2011
NEWS STORY
It is understood that Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin personally brokered a sponsorship deal for Vitaly Petrov, the country's first F1 driver.
According to reports in the local media, under the deal put together by Putin, the youngster will receive backing from the state-run high-tech company Rostekhnologii.
Putin, along with Rostekhnologii chief Sergei Chemezov, and Leonid Mikhelson, head of private gas firm Novatek, Petrov and his manager agreed the deal at a specially convened meeting
"The number of automobile sport lovers in Russia increases day by day," said Putin. "Petrov, who is very famous among Formula One fans here, has recently signed a new two-year contract with his team. He definitely needs support. Financial support most of all."
Late last month, the Lotus Renault GP team announced that Petrov has signed a new two-year deal which will see him continue alongside Robert Kubica this season.