The team is doing a fantastic job - Petrov

Lotus Renault GP driver Vitaly Petrov reflects on yesterday's Chinese Grand Prix in which he managed to finish 9th. He discusses the challenging weekend, the DRS-system and KERS and the next race at Turkey.

Vitaly, it has been a challenging weekend but you showed good determination on Sunday and scored two points… "It hasn’t been a great race but nonetheless we took two points and any point is still important for the team, especially at this stage of the season."

The team has been unlucky during qualifying in Shanghai; however your lap in Q2 showed that the car is very quick… Is is encouraging for the races to come ? "Yes, it is clear that our car is very strong. We improved it through P1, P2 and for qualifying so we know which areas to work on and what we need to do. We must continue to work hard, however, because we’re not where we want to be yet."

Three races into the season, what conclusions can you draw from the team so far? "So far, I think that the team has hugely improved compared to last year and the car is much nicer to drive. The balance suits me very well. We must still work on how to maximise the new Pirelli tyres. The team is doing a fantastic job. We have done two podiums so far this season, so I hope that we can fight back in Turkey."

What’s your view on the DRS system and the re-introduction of KERS? "KERS saved my life on Sunday (smiles), it saved my position a few times during the race plus it enabled me to do some overtaking. When you fight in a group with two other cars, it is tough to use the rear wing (DRS) but it definitely provides an advantage."

Finally, looking ahead to Turkey, how much do you enjoy racing in Istanbul Park? "I very much like this circuit and have some good racing memories with a few good GP2 races (he won in Istanbul in 2009). My race there last year was also quite exciting so I’m looking forward to going back to Istanbul."