Oksana Kosachenko: Petrov is the only Formula-1 driver who doesn’t get paid for his work

Before the Japanese GP, Vitaly Petrov’s manager Oksana Kosachenko spoke about how the negotiations on his new contract were going.

«As for the possible return of the former driver Robert Kubica to Lotus Renault, I wouldn’t say it is a concern for us in any way. The Polish driver’s current replacement is Bruno Senna. Therefore, it’s the Brazilian or the team’s current reserve driver Romain Grosjean who should be the first ones to worry about Kubica’s return, if it happens at all. Vitaly has a contract with Lotus Renault. Of course, if Bruno Senna would be on the podium, and Vitaly would finish 18th most of the time, I would, probably, be asked to clear up the situation. But as of now, nothing of that kind ever happened.

«Any contract includes exit clauses for both parties. I would hate for us to have to leave the team. But even more I would hate to leave it in a situation, when we would understand that the team can’t provide the driver with a car he deserves. Still, for today we have a valid contract, and there are no prerequisites for its termination.»

«But if we assume the worst, like the possible departure from the team, for that we hold talks in two directions. First of all, I’d like to remind that Vitalik is the only Formula-1 driver who does not get paid for his work. It’s a difficult work, and, naturally, I would like to discuss the terms. That is a subject of our discussions with the team. And, secondly, I’m perfectly aware that you should always have a backup option. Still, Lotus Renault are our ‘Plan A’. Any move can result in a lot of time lost and the need to begin everything from scratch. I’m sure we all can help each other. It would be hard for us to leave. It’s easier to agree more comfortable terms of co-operation,» Kosachenko said to Rossiyskaya gazeta.