Russian Formula One driver Vitaly Petrov hit out at claims he is only on the grid because of generous sponsors Wednesday, saying Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso is in the same situation but escapes the criticism.
Petrov brought millions of euros in sponsorship to become a member of Caterham's 2012 lineup after he was dropped last year by Lotus Renault, garnering accusations that he wasn't chosen for his talent but his financial clout.
Asked if he was a so-called pay driver, Petrov told Italian daily La Stampa: "I don’t think there’s a difference between me and Alonso."
"Everyone knows that he is funded by money from Banco di Santander. Anyway, you get to Formula One by virtue of talent."
Petrov had reportedly raised around 15 million euros through Russian state companies to get a drive with Lotus in first season in 2010, and is thought to have accrued similar amounts for each of the next two years.
Petrov was tenth in the 2011 championship. He came third in the 2011 Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, his only podium finish to date.
The first race of 2012 will take place in Melbourne, Australia, on Sunday.
Soon after Petrov replaced veteran Jarno Trulli at Caterham, the Russian chemicals giant Sibur signed a sponsorship deal with the team. Sibur chief executive Dmitry Konov said that Petrov’s Russian fan base made the deal attractive.
