Petrov brings another Russian sponsor to Renault
Russia's first and only Formula One driver Vitaly Petrov brought more Russian sponsorship money to the Renault team during the week, after Russian prime minister Vladimir Putin personally brokered a deal for a state-run high-tech company to sponsor his team.

The deal with Rostekhnologii was revealed by local media on Tuesday after Petrov, his manager Oksana Kosachenko, Rostekhnologii chief Sergei Chemezov, and Leonid Mikhelson, head of private gas firm Novatek, hammered out the details of the new deal during a meeting with Putin.

“The number of automobile sport lovers in Russia increases day by day,” said Putin. “Petrov, who is very famous among Formula One fans here, has recently signed a new two-year contract with his team. He definitely needs support. Financial support most of all.”

The first Russian Grand Prix is due to take place in 2014.

D'Ambrosio confirms cash key to Virgin race deal
New Virgin Racing recruit Jérôme d'Ambrosio has confirmed speculation that sponsors were key to him getting his race seat at the British team for 2011, despite team boss John Booth insisting at the time of his signing that the Belgian had secured the seat “absolutely on merit”. D'Ambrosio said Belgian partners had helped secure the drive alongside Timo Glock.

“Of course there's talent, but there is a commercial aspect,” he told RTL Belgium after signing for Virgin. “Partners, people in Belgium were supporting me, along with Gravity, which always supports me, with Eric Boullier. We succeeded in putting together the package needed to sign.

“The most important thing is to focus on myself. Every time I go on the track, I must learn. I'm fortunate to have Timo Glock alongside me. He has been on the podium in Grands Prix. This is a significant experience for me.”

Monaco celebrates centenaries in 2011
Three new stamps commemorating famous motor racing centenaries have been released in Monaco. The stamps commemorate the 100th anniversaries of five-times F1 world champion Juan Manuel Fangio's birth, the inaugural Indianapolis 500 and the very first Monte Carlo Rally, all events which took place in 1911.

Fangio is the face of the €0.95 stamp, the Indy 500 adorns the €1.35 stamp, and the Monte Carlo rally is hosted on the €1.40 stamp.

Hartley not bitter after Red Bull axe
Former Red Bull reserve driver Brendon Hartley says he isn't bitter at the drinks manufacturer for dropping him off their young driver programme last year. The Kiwi is now trying to get the money together to race in GP2 or the Renault World Series in 2011, although he is prepared to take a step back to a more junior series if it means he keeps moving forward in the long-term.

“At one stage, it was between me and another guy to be the reserve driver and he got it,” he told the New Zealand Herald, referring to Daniel Ricciardo who is now Toro Rosso's reserve driver. “It could easily have been me sitting in the F1 car but it didn't happen. That's life, you have to learn.

“I'm still wearing the Red Bull helmet and the link and contact is still there. The only difference is they are not funding my racing any more. I'm not bitter in any way. I understand the situation and can't thank Red Bull enough.”

Baguette no longer targetting F1
2009 World Series by Renault champion Bertrand Baguette says his future remains in IndyCars after completing his first season in America's premier open-wheel racing series last year. The Belgian raced in all but the first two rounds of the 2010 season with Conquest Racing and says there are no opportunities for him in F1.

When asked if he would consider returning to Europe in the GP2 series, Baguette said said it would be a step in the wrong direction. “ I think GP2 is a step down, honestly,” he told Autoweek. “I think GP2 is a stepping-stone to F1, and IndyCar is on the same level as F1. My career is in IndyCar, and I will give everything to stay in IndyCar.”