Petrov excused for Renault remarks

Vitaly Petrov has thanked Renault team principal Eric Boullier for standing behind him following his motormouth moment in Abu Dhabi.

Speaking to a Russian television station after finishing a frustrating and disappointing 13th, Petrov violated his contract by speaking out publicly against the Enstone-based team.

Once the translation of Petrov’s quotes made their way into print a few days later, the Russian issued an apology via email to every member of the team.

In accepting the apology, Boullier made it clear the matter was now closed and there would be no repercussions against the 28-year-old.

Speaking ahead of Sunday’s final race of the year in Brazil, Petrov said: “I’ve spoken with my engineers and mechanics and explained to them it’s not like I wanted to tell them they are rubbish.

“I think everything is good now and they understand me and what’s going on. Even Eric supported me after what I said, and I called him to say thank you.

“But they understand I am not a robot and I cannot always be polite with the journalists every weekend when we have the same problems.

“I was angry – not with the team, but because of how the year has been.

“Maybe I shouldn’t talk to the press straight after a race about what’s going on inside the team. I just maybe put more oil on the fire.”

Petrov started the season in Australia with a competitive third place, collecting 15 points and raising hopes of a challenge at the front of the field.

Since then he has managed just a further 21 in 17 races, so in Abu Dhabi he let his growing anger bubble to the surface.

“It has been difficult not being able to fight at the front and instead fighting with Force India, Sauber, teams like this,” said Petrov.

“We’re supposed to fight more in front. But the team have explained why not and I understand.”