VITALY PETROV has been confirmed as a Lotus Renault driver for the next two Formula One seasons.

The Russian has signed a new two-year deal with the recently rebranded squad, having contested last season for the Renault team.

The 26-year-old, who enjoyed a best finish of fifth at the Hungarian Grand Prix in his debut campaign, will again partner Poland’s Robert Kubica.

Lotus Renault team principal Eric Boullier said: “We are very pleased to confirm that Vitaly will be staying with us for 2011 and 2012, in order that both he and the team can build on a promising 2010 campaign.

“The entire team has been working flat out over the past months to improve our competitiveness and a stable driver line-up is essential to achieving our targets.

“Robert Kubica provides a remarkable benchmark for both speed and consistency, and we are certain that Vitaly will move closer to this level of performance next year.”

Petrov’s position at the Enstone-based team had been in some doubt after his bosses refused to commit to signing him for a second campaign towards the end of last season.

The 2009 GP2 series runner- up managed just five points-scoring finishes in his rookie year and finished 109 points down on the rapid Kubica, but nevertheless showed enough flashes of talent to earn an extension.

Petrov said: “I am very happy to continue with the team and proud to be representing Lotus Renault GP for the 2011 and 2012 seasons.

“In many ways 2010 was about learning. 2011 will be about performing.”