Russia upholds Petrov honour

With a new two-year Renault contract in his pocket, Vitaly Petrov can continue to rely on the financial support of Russia.

That was the message on Tuesday, after the heads of the country's innovation companies met with the Renault driver, his manager, and prime minister Vladimir Putin.

One new concrete deal is with the state-owned technology holding company Rostekhnologii, reported local media.

"He definitely needs support," confirmed Putin. "Financial support most of all."