Petrov eyes F1 future for Russian team

F1 could have a Russian team in the not-too-distant future.

Former Renault and Caterham driver Vitaly Petrov, who was the first Russian to race in formula one, will this year return to action in Le Mans’ LMP2 prototype class, driving for SMP Racing.

SMP is a Russian bank, and Petrov said of the racing programme: "Although nothing is defined yet, we will perhaps one day be in formula one.

"LMP1 is also under consideration," he is quoted as saying in Paris by France’s Canal Plus broadcaster. "SMP Racing has the means to become one of the best teams in the world."

SMP Bank is owned by Boris Rotenberg, who reportedly has close ties with Russian president Vladimir Putin.