Vitaly Petrov Replaces Jarno Trulli at Caterham F1

Jarno Trulli is out, and Vitaly Petrov is in at Caterham Formula 1.

 "We are all delighted to welcome Vitaly into our team and are very excited about the role he will play in helping us take the next steps forward in 2012 and for many years to come. When we first met it was immediately clear that Vitaly understands and shares our vision for how we want our team to grow. As the first Russian to race in F1 he carries the hopes of a huge nation with ease and his talents, experience with one of our current competitors and insights on and off track will play a huge role in our development as we fight to join the established teams ahead," said team principal Tony Fernandes.

Petrov had his seat fitted on February 17 at Caterham headquarters, and he will take Trulli's place at the second Formula 1 test at Barcelona from February 21 to 24. 

Petrov raced for Lotus Renault GP last year and managed 10th place in the Drivers' Championship. He raced for Renault F1 in 2010 and came in 13th. 

Trulli had raced in Formula 1 since 1997 for a variety of teams. His best performance ever came in 2004 when he drove for Renault and Toyota and managed 6th place in the Drivers' Championship that year.