Raging Bull!

Sepang will provide the first real test of the cars and their prospects this Formula One season and Red Bull intend to prove that they are still the team to beat. World champion Sebastian Vettel is eager to turn the tables on Mclaren at the Petronas F1 Malaysian Grand Prix to force a very different running order after finishing second to Jenson Button in the opening race in Melbourne. Vettel is determined to puncture the Mclaren challenge before it becomes a real threat...

FORMULA One racing was never popular in Russia until Vitaly Petrov made his debut in the sport two years ago.

Petrov drove for Renault for two seasons from 2010 before joining Caterham FI team (formerly known as Lotus) this season.

To date, he is the only Russian competing in Formula One.

Petrov, who will turn 28 on Sept 8, said Formula One is getting more popular in Russia.

“I’m famous in my country because I am the first Russian to feature in Formula One. More of my compatriots are now keen on following in my footsteps,” said Petrov, who was born in Vyborg.

“This is definitely a good sign that Russia will one day produce more Formula One drivers.”

Petrov has featured in 64 races in Formula One since 2010, with one podium finish.

In the first race of the season in the Australia Grand Prix last year, Petrov qualified sixth, a career best, and secured his first Formula One podium after finishing third behind winner Sebastian Vettel and runnerup Lewis Hamilton.

However, Petrov did not have the same luck in the opening Australian Grand Prix last week. He qualified 20th in the race and was running in 15th spot when a steering problem forced him to retire on lap 36.

“The problem has been rectified but I anticipate another problem in the Malaysian GP – the hot and humid weather,” he said.

“It’s quite difficult to drive in the heat. I am praying for rain to cool things down.”

Asked about his chances of winning points in the Malaysian GP, Petrov said: “I don’t think we will get any points.

“We are still developing the car and it will take a few more races before we can collect points.”

The other driver for the Caterham F1 team, who achieved 10th placing last year, is Heikki Kovalainen of Finland.

Petrov and Kovalainen officiated the launch of the Caterham FI merchandise at the Racetrack in Pavilion yesterday.