Aleshin aims to be second Russian on 2011 grid

There could be two Russian drivers on the 2011 formula one grid.

With the country set to organise a grand prix in the future and its president Vladimir Putin recently testing a F1 car, Vitaly Petrov now looks set to renew his deal with Renault.

"It is more positive for Vitaly than negative," team boss Eric Boullier said recently.

And Mikhail Aleshin, the new Renault World Series champion, could be F1’s second Russian driver in 2011.

He recently tested Renault’s R30 in Abu Dhabi, admitting he needs EUR 10-15 million in sponsorship to secure a seat with a small team.

In a new interview with Russian news website gzt.ru, he said he has agreed a deal with an unnamed team. Recent reports linked him with Force India, Lotus and Virgin.

"We are considering options and there are some very interesting proposals," said 23-year-old Aleshin.

"I’m not allowed to talk about it, so I’ll try for it to be a surprise. In fact, the issue of my participation (in F1) is resolved."

"But it is not guaranteed, because there are no guarantees in formula one," he added.

Among Aleshin’s sponsors are state-owned Gazprom and Cordiant tyres.