Verstappen: Petrov worst driver of year
#1
12-09-2010 | 12:51 PM
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| FIGJAM
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Posts: 9,463
Verstappen: Petrov worst driver of year
Verstappen: Petrov worst driver of year - GPUpdate.net
Former Formula 1 pilot Jos Verstappen has said in his opinion Renault number #2 Vitaly Petrov was the most disappointing of driver of the season and he has criticised the Russian rookie for having far too many accidents.
“I would say Vitaly [Petrov] was both the worst driver and worst newcomer this season,” Verstappen wrote in his latest column in Dutch newspaper, De Telegraaf.
“In the last race he was very strong and kept Fernando Alonso behind him - as a result of which the Spaniard lost out on the title. But apart from that a lot went wrong.
“He had a lot of problems in several races – banging against the wall or spinning or blowing his starts. You cannot afford that at this level if you drive for such a strong team as Renault.
“The difference between him and his team-mate Robert Kubica was enormous, although the comparison is not entirely fair. Kubica – and [Sebastian] Vettel and [Fernando] Alonso – are in my eyes the best.”
Despite Verstappen’s views though, Petrov is expected to be retained by the Enstone-based squad – now re-branded Lotus Renault GP. Petrov finished 13th in the 2010 FIA Formula One Drivers' Championship, having scored 27 points. His best finish was a fifth place in Hungary.
Former Formula 1 pilot Jos Verstappen has said in his opinion Renault number #2 Vitaly Petrov was the most disappointing of driver of the season and he has criticised the Russian rookie for having far too many accidents.
“I would say Vitaly [Petrov] was both the worst driver and worst newcomer this season,” Verstappen wrote in his latest column in Dutch newspaper, De Telegraaf.
“In the last race he was very strong and kept Fernando Alonso behind him - as a result of which the Spaniard lost out on the title. But apart from that a lot went wrong.
“He had a lot of problems in several races – banging against the wall or spinning or blowing his starts. You cannot afford that at this level if you drive for such a strong team as Renault.
“The difference between him and his team-mate Robert Kubica was enormous, although the comparison is not entirely fair. Kubica – and [Sebastian] Vettel and [Fernando] Alonso – are in my eyes the best.”
Despite Verstappen’s views though, Petrov is expected to be retained by the Enstone-based squad – now re-branded Lotus Renault GP. Petrov finished 13th in the 2010 FIA Formula One Drivers' Championship, having scored 27 points. His best finish was a fifth place in Hungary.
#2
12-09-2010 | 12:53 PM
Thread Starter
| FIGJAM
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 9,463
btw, i disagree with jos' evaluation, when you push incidents are bound to happen. i would rather he push and punt it than play it safe and get mediocre results. his racecraft was good, should earn him another year.
#3
12-09-2010 | 02:00 PM
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From: Minnesota
He didn't win but he was exciting to watch drive and on several occasions, he was able to hold his own against the best drivers on the grid.
#5
12-09-2010 | 02:14 PM
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 141
From: Florida
I disagree with that assessment as well. I thought he did fairly well for his first season. He wasn't great but it's still his first season - I hope he gets a ride for next season because I think he does have the talent to compete, he just needs to hone his skills.
The most disappointing driver, to me, was Hulkenberg. While he did set pole in Brazil, he lost the position immediately and there was one race (can't remember which track) where he had to drive straight through a chicane for 3 or 4 laps, bitching about his tires but still skipping the entire chicane. Then he would try to fight off and complain about the cars attempting to pass him. He couldn't hold his own - he's supposed to be one of the best young drivers but nothing he did stood out this year as an incredible performance.
The most disappointing driver, to me, was Hulkenberg. While he did set pole in Brazil, he lost the position immediately and there was one race (can't remember which track) where he had to drive straight through a chicane for 3 or 4 laps, bitching about his tires but still skipping the entire chicane. Then he would try to fight off and complain about the cars attempting to pass him. He couldn't hold his own - he's supposed to be one of the best young drivers but nothing he did stood out this year as an incredible performance.
