'Petrov's Renault race-seat in jeopardy'

[Guest]

Caps lock is activated.

[Dare]

In my opinion F1"the pinnacle of motor sports" shouldn't even
allow pay drivers.Couldn't you imagine the World Cup if fans
were allowed to buy their way on teams.




Monday 8th February 2010
 
Vitaly Petrov's Formula One is reportedly on the line after a bank loan needed to pay Renault was put on hold.


It is a known fact that Petrov, who finished runner-up in last year's GP2 Championship, is paying Renault an estimated £13 million for his chance at Formula One.


But, according to reports in the Russian media, his race-seat is in jeopardy as his father, Alexander Petrovic, has yet to secure a loan to pay Renault the first installment.


Petrovic, who has had to put his property up as security for the loan, told sovsport.ru that the money from the bank has "still not been received."


He added that if Renault weren't paid by the first of March they would replace his son with another driver.


25-year-old Petrov made his Renault debut at Valencia last week, finishing six out of the seven drivers in action on Day Three.

[John S]

I think your confusing F1 with A1GP Dare, the soccer world cup is between nations. The Champions League is the big inter team soccer comp and I'm sure some of the smaller teams from smaller countries, and even some from bigger nations, would gladly let you run out with them for £13 million. 

You'd have to be fit mind.

[Jericoke]

Autoracing is one of the most expensive sports available:  at just about every level, you have to buy your way in.  It's a shame that the very top of motorsports is like that.  The problem is, a ban on pay drivers will mean teams cutting corners on the cars themselves... that is not safe, not interesting, and certainly not 'glamorous'.

I also wouldn't be surprised to learn that some soccer players are on their national teams due to connections more than skill.  In Canada it's very hard for the national team to properly scout players, so being able to pay your way onto the right team in Toronto goes further than being the most skilled player in Saskatchewan.

[Williamsfan]

To be honest it says little about Renault's faith in his abilities if they'd drop him due to an installment not going through in time.  Pay drivers are a blight on F1, but sadly they seem to be a necessary evil once again.

[Alianora La Canta]

This is stupid. The payment's not even due for another three weeks - there's no need for Renault to panic now. It's not like Vitaly's missed any previous instalments...

[Williamsfan]

I guess the scare-mongering and rumour mill kick in early as often happens.  I would have thought Renault would have checked the money would be available before offering him a seat, or else I'd say I could pay them $50m for a season, do a test and then be dropped 

[John S]

I guess the scare-mongering and rumour mill kick in early as often happens.  I would have thought Renault would have checked the money would be available before offering him a seat, or else I'd say I could pay them $50m for a season, do a test and then be dropped 

Your forgetting one thing Williamsfan, - you still wouldn't fit in the car.   

[Williamsfan]

For that promised $50m, making a bigger cockpit would be the least I'd expect