Vitaly Petrov has launched a surprisingly public assault against Lotus Renault GP, stating that he has been unable to criticise the team this season but now feels the time has come to share his true feelings. The Vyborg driver’s words came on television network Russia 2.
Petrov, who was a rookie in Formula 1 last year, started his 2011 season in fantastic fashion by picking up a maiden podium finish in Australia. However, since scoring those 15 points in Melbourne, the 27-year-old has been able to add only another 21 to his tally over the following 17 Grands Prix.
“I am not allowed to say anything negative about the team, unfortunately - it says that in my contract,” Petrov began, echoing similar sentiments to Nick Heidfeld after the German’s departure from the Enstone squad earlier this season.
“People have been saying that the team is criticising its drivers but, excuse me, I haven't criticised the team at all…read my interviews! That is despite what we’ve lost so many times - how much we’ve lost at pit-stops and with poor strategies. We have lost position in probably ten races, or even more, but I wasn’t allowed to say that in interviews and I can’t really talk about that now, either. But I can't keep silent anymore – that’s over, I just can't keep everything inside me anymore.”
He went on to explain that, following an ‘easy’ first six races, Lotus Renault GP has since struggled to maintain good form as it failed to translate new components into competitive race pace.
“Basically, we have the same car we started the season with,” he added.
As is the case with Robert Kubica, Petrov has one year remaining on his current contract, but stresses that this does not guarantee his immediate future with the Eric Boullier-run squad.
“All is clear,” he began to summarise. “I have a contract, but remember, even World Champion Kimi Räikkönen was asked to leave F1 (by Ferrari) for a sum of money…so in this world it’s hard to do anything if someone wants you out.”
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