Rookie of the Year: Vitaly Petrov

Vitaly Aleksandrovich Petrov. Born September 8, 1984 in Vyborg. Is a Russian Formula One driver for the Renault F1 team. He is known as "Vyborg Rocket" in Russia. He is, to date, the only Russian to have competed in Formula One.

Unlike most top drivers, Petrov did not begin his career in karting, as there was very little motor sport where he lived. He began competing in the Russian Lada Cup in 2001.

After three retirements, Petrov finish his first race at the 2010 Chinese Grand Prix and in doing so, scored his first F1 points, as he finished in seventh position. This race was also noted for his overtakes of Michael Schumacher and Mark Webber under heavy rain.

In the 2010 Turkish Grand Prix, Petrov even managed to put in the fastest lap of the race with a 1:29.165 on lap 57 after a fresh set of tyres was put on his Renault after a collision with Fernando Alonso.

He qualified tenth for the final round of the season in Abu Dhabi, ahead of Kubica who qualified eleventh. During the race, Petrov pitted under an early safety car period which moved him up the order when drivers ahead of him pitted. Fernando Alonso and Mark Webber both came out behind him and Petrov remained ahead of them until the end of the race, which stopped the title contenders' progress and enabled Sebastian Vettel to win the title.

Finishing out the season himself in 13th position for the World Driver's Title with a total of 27 points.

After playing such an important role in the 2010 World Driver's Title race, Petrov has come under fire.  Lap 19, Alonso and Webber caught up and came to pass Petrov.  For 36 laps, Petrov drove the best race of his Formula one career.  He was able to hold the line and hold his position while defending against two WDC contenders.

After the race, many people and teams alike stated that it was not in his jurisdiction to hold up the two drivers.  Petrov was legally ahead of them and was racing.  Is that not what this sport is about?  Racing?  If the two title contenders were unable to pass a rookie, how would then compete if they had gotten up to Kubica, Rosberg or even Button? 

When asked about the race, Vitaly Petrov answered in his cool self, "It was a normal race and I just did my job."  Well done! 

 Vitaly Petrov fan site