Up-and-coming Russian driver Mikhail Aleshin is searching for a Russian sponsor to join a Formula One team, he told RIA Novosti on Sunday.
The 25 year old has displayed his racing potential by winning the 2010 Renault World Series and out-testing a number of established Formula One names such as Jean-Eric Vergne and Paul di Resta the same year.
Now he feels ready to join the F1 paddock, but lacks the multi million euro backing that saw countryman Vitaly Petrov secure a place with Renault in 2010.
State corporation Russian Technologies helped finance that deal, and Aleshin is seeking similar assistance to launch his career in the world's most prestigious motor sport.
"I'm not going to give up," Aleshin said. "I am only 25, which is a great age for Formula One and nothing is too late yet. The experience that I have will help me," he said.
"It is always nice when you are supported by Russian companies, your compatriots," Aleshin said. "We should always help each other. I have been performing for Russia for a long time and I'm proud of that."
Aleshin took a veiled swipe at Petrov, whose father is a prominent Russian businessman, saying success comes easier with a wealthy family.
"It is easier for a person whose family can secure a place in Formula One," he said. "The search for sponsors, if you don't have a rich father, is something that accompanies you throughout the entire racing career."
Aleshin started his career in karting, becoming the first Russian driver to win a major international single-seater race with a victory in a Renault World Series race in 2007.
