Vitaly Petrov: I want to prove I am not just a driver, but a good driver

Russian driver Vitaly Petrov in an interview to Sky Sports dismissed the accusations that he was kept at Lotus for his sponsors’ cash and vowed to prove he is a good driver with Caterham.

«It was a difficult winter because I was told quite late they no longer wanted me because I was quite sure before they had said they did,» Petrov said.

«But my head never dropped. I always thought something would happen. I was quite clear in my mind to prepare for this year. Obviously, I am grateful to Caterham helping me.»

Petrov also rejected the accusations from his former boss Gerard Lopez, who suggested the Russian felt his seat was safe due to the support of his numerous sponsors.

«It’s not right what he said about the sponsors. I thought he (Lopez) was quite happy with my driving, that he knew I had speed. But I can’t look back. I know what I did well and not so well, and I have shown my career in Formula One is not finished. I now want to prove to a lot of people I am not just a driver, but a good driver,» the 27-yearl-old Russian insisted.