Russian car builder Lada will have a Formula 1 presence for the first time this year after agreeing a sponsorship deal with the Renault team and driver Vitaly Petrov. The new partnership was agreed in Moscow earlier this week, and has been endorsed by Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin.
"We are proud to announce this new agreement, which marks another important step for the Renault F1 team and Formula 1 in Russia," said Renault team boss Gerard Lopez. "Through Mangrove Capital we have been actively investing in Russia over the last years. We know the country well, we have a high degree of appreciation for it and, as such, it is an honor for our F1 team to spearhead Russia's entry into the sport and to carry the Lada brand at the highest level of world motorsport. We look forward to an exciting and successful season together."