Seven drivers, including Glock, in line to replace Petrov
"If we had stopped making progress and developments, then – as with any driver – of course there would be frustration," he said. "But this is currently not the case. I have a long-term contract with Virgin Racing and am determined to get the team to the next level. We have all the conditions necessary to achieve our goals this season and in the future," added Glock.
08/08/10 "I'm keeping my eyes open," the German Timo Glock told ITV-F1. "We'll see. "If there is an opportunity at Renault, I don't know at the moment. I'm not that close talking to them. I have a longer contract at Virgin, but if things are not going as they should, what I said from the beginning on is I will have a look around and I'll keep my eyes open."
 |
| With a Russian GP in the works we doubt very much that Vitaly Petrov will not stay in F1 |
07/21/10 (GMM) Vitaly Petrov's future with the Renault team could be decided in less than two weeks, according to reports.
On Tuesday, team boss Eric Boullier played down speculation the Russian rookie is not yet under consideration for the 2011 seat alongside Robert Kubica.
He hinted that a plethora of drivers, including Kimi Raikkonen, Nick Heidfeld, Kamui Kobayashi, Heikki Kovalainen, Christian Klien, Adrian Sutil and Timo Glock, may already be in talks with Renault about next season.
"He (Petrov) has worked well so far, so we're waiting to see how it evolves. Before the end of the season, I'm certain we will begin discussing plans for next year," said Boullier.
But Finland's Turun Sanomat suggests that D-day for the 25-year-old is fast approaching.
The report said Petrov has been given only until the summer break to prove he is up to the task of keeping up with Kubica in 2011.
After next Sunday's Hungarian grand prix, formula one will pause for a break throughout August.
"I know that I still need to improve," Petrov said on Tuesday.
"As always the first target is to be close to Robert's pace. Then I need to qualify in the top ten and finish the race," he added ahead of Hockenheim.
07/20/10 (GMM) Team boss Eric Boullier has played down claims Vitaly Petrov is not under consideration for the seat alongside Robert Kubica in 2011.
It is rumored that a plethora of drivers, including Kimi Raikkonen, Nick Heidfeld, Kamui Kobayashi, Heikki Kovalainen, Christian Klien, Adrian Sutil and Timo Glock, may already be in talks with Renault about next season.
Boullier has been quoted as admitting some of the names mentioned are "realistic because there are already discussions".
But Russian Petrov, who brings millions in funding to the Enstone based team including the sponsorship of carmaker Lada, said last weekend that his talks with Renault will only take place "later".
However, Boullier is now quoted by Brazil's Grande Premio as boosting rookie Petrov's chances of retaining the seat.
"We are very pleased with what Vitaly has done so far," he reportedly told a Russian television network.
"The learning curve is still steep, but this is normal for any newcomer. Every new driver in F1 needs time to understand and do his best, and that is hard," added Boullier.
"But he has worked well so far, so we're waiting to see how it evolves. Before the end of the season, I'm certain we will begin discussing plans for next year," he said."
07/19/10 Vitaly Petrov faces a tough task holding onto his Renault race with reports claiming the team has already targeted seven possible replacements.
Already Renault have confirmed that they would be interested in signing former F1 World Champion Kimi Raikkonen as Robert Kubica's 2011 team-mate. However, the Finn is believed to be set on signing a new deal with Citroen to continue in the World Rally Championship.
Raikkonen, though, isn't the only name on Renault's list.
According to Auto, Moto und Sport, the Anglo/French squad are believed to be keen on Nick Heidfeld, who failed to land a race-seat for this year's Championship, forcing him to take a test driver role with Mercedes GP while Christian Klien is also a possibility.
Virgin Racing's Timo Glock is another on the list as are Lotus drivers Heikki Kovalainen and Jarno Trulli.
The seventh possible candidate is Kamui Kobayashi, who made his debut with Toyota in the final two rounds of last year's Championship, impressing bosses up and down the pit lane. He eventually signed for Sauber for this year's campaign, bagging all 15 of the team's points.
Renault, though, have refused to comment on the list with team boss Eric Boullier telling Auto Hebdo that "some (drivers on the list) are more fantasy" but "others are realistic because there have already been talks."