Petrov to drive Renault on streets of Moscow

Russian capital city Moscow will welcome another Formula 1 car in mid-July as Vitaly Petrov, the country’s first ever F1 driver, visits with Renault. The Enstone team will be taking its 3-seater version in order to allow lucky fans the chance of enjoying a ride.

The weekend between the British and German Grands Prix will not mark the first time Renault F1 has visited Russia, as Fernando Alonso and Giancarlo Fisichella were present in 2005, a year which also saw Jordan launch its final car in the city as Russian businessman Alex Schneider moved to the forefront of the team.

Petrov will drive around a 4.5-km (2.8-mi) temporary circuit around the iconic Red Square and near the walls of the Kremlin. Details of how fans can go on-board with the 2009 GP2 runner-up can be found on the Russian version of the team website as well as social networking site vKontakte.

“I’m really excited to be going to Moscow,” Vitaly commented. “It will be my first chance to drive an F1 car in Russia and the first time on the streets of a city.

“The Russian fans don’t usually have the chance to see an F1 car up close, so I will do my best to put on a special show. It’s also a good chance for me to thank the fans for all the support they have given me this year.”

Source: GP Update

Bernie: We're going to lose venues

Bernie Ecclestone has warned some European countries that their grand prix faces the axe as he tries to make way for new venues.

With India set to make its Formula One debut next season, the calendar will be extended to 20 races, a number that Ecclestone has stated in the past he'd be happy with.

However, Moscow and New York are both looking for a place on the calendar, with 2012 and 2013 being touted as possible dates for their debut seasons.

But in order to make space for the new grands prix, Ecclestone says he is going to have to cull some of the current European venues.

"We're going to lose some races for sure, there are some races we can afford to lose without too much problem," he told Autocar.

"I've spoken to the countries to see what we can come up with."

Source: Planet F1