Lotus-Renault retain Petrov

(GETTY IMAGES)

Despite earning 27 points to team-mate Robert Kubica's 136 last season Russia's first grand prix driver, Vitaly Petrov, has signed a two-year contract extension at Lotus-Renault that will take him to the end of the 2012 season.

"In many ways, 2010 was about learning," said the 26-year-old. "2011 will be about performing."

Petrov's future had been uncertain after several unforced mistakes.

"Last season, he showed on several occasions that he clearly has the potential to deliver. It was just a matter of putting everything together during the same weekend," said team owner Gerard Lopez.