Petrov replaces Trulli at Caterham

Jarno Trulli has been replaced by Vitaly Petrov at Caterham for the 2012 season.

Petrov will partner Heikki Kovalainen after signing a deal with the revamped outfit.

The Russian was without a drive after his former team, Renault, now Lotus, signed former world champion Kimi Raikkonen to partner Romain Grosjean for the coming season.

Petrov has shown flashes of speed in Formula one, but has not settled in the sport as he would have liked. His first race last year was also probably his best as he qualified 6th and finished on the podium.

However, his results tailed off as the season went on. Several collisions and public criticism of the team did not go down well. He will be aiming to fulfil his undoubted talent with Caterham.

“This is a very exciting day for me,” said Petrov. “I have been training hard all winter and am ready to get back into the cockpit and go to work”.

The Russian is eager to get testing in the new Caterham CT01: “Our new car is another good step forward from 2011 and I cannot wait to see how it feels.”

As for Jarno Trulli, the 37-year old Italian looks to be a spent force as far as F1 is concerned.

But the winner of the 2004 Monaco Grand Prix was in philosophical mood, and seemed to understand the team’s decision after he endured a difficult year.

Trulli said of his former team: “From zero we built up and established a solid F1 team. I'm really proud to have been part of it.

“I understand the decision the team has made and I want to wish to the whole team the very best of luck for the season ahead.”

Greg Joslin