Petrov becomes Russia's first F1 racer

VALENCIA, Spain: Vitaly Petrov left his Lada driving days far behind on Sunday when he signed with Renault as Russia's first Formula One racer.

The 25-year-old from Vyborg, near the Finnish border, was runner-up in last year's GP2 support series to Germany's Nico Hulkenberg, who makes his debut with Williams this season.

He will partner Robert Kubica, who became Poland's first F1 driver with BMW-Sauber in 2006, at the former champions.