Petrov signs up for RoC

Renault’s Vitaly Petrov will make history later this year after he signed up for the Race of Champions in Dusseldorf…

Renault’s Vitaly Petrov will make history later this year after he signed up for the Race of Champions in Dusseldorf.

The Russian will become the first driver from Eastern Europe to take part in the event at the ESPRIT arena from December 3-4.

“It was a great honour to be the first Russian driver in Formula 1 – and now I’m delighted to become the first Russian to compete at the Race of Champions,” Petrov told the official Renault website.

“I’ve followed the event for a long time and I know that all the drivers claim to be there for fun, while pushing as hard as ever in the cars.

“I’ve never raced in an event with such a quick turnaround of machinery but perhaps my unusual background in rally sprints and ice racing can help me. I’ll give it my best and see what happens.”

The 27-year-old will be joined by fellow Formula One drivers Michael Schumacher, Sebastian Vettel, Jenson Button and Romain Grosjean at the event.