Petrov replaces Trulli at Caterham

Russian Vitaly Petrov has replaced Italian veteran Jarno Trulli at Caterham for 2012.

Trulli, 37, was under contract to the team but has been dropped after a tough 2011 season and the arrival of Petrov with a substantial sponsorship package. The move is likely to end the career of a man who has been in Formula One since 1997 and won the 2004 Monaco Grand Prix.

Petrov, 27, joins Caterham after two years at Renault, now renamed Lotus, and will partner Heikki Kovalainen. The team principal, Tony Fernandes, said the decision to ditch Trulli had "not been an easy one", adding: "It was one we made to ensure we give fresh impetus across the whole team and with a realistic eye on the global economic market. As the first Russian to race in F1 [Petrov] carries the hopes of a huge nation with ease and he will play a huge role in our development."