Caterham get a new Pet

Vitaly Petrov has been handed a Formula One reprieve after being signed up by Caterham for the new season. Petrov was released by Renault at the end of last year after two seasons with the Enstone-based marque that is now known as Lotus. It appeared as if the 27-year-old Russian would be out of F1, but with the opening grand prix in Australia just four weeks away, SunSport's partner team Caterham have caused a stir by bringing him in as Jarno Trulli's replacement. Trulli's position within the team had been tenuous, despite the fact he was contracted for this year, with rumours constantly surrounding the 37-year-old, even at last week's first pre-season test in Jerez. After 15 seasons in the sport and 251 starts, Trulli now finds himself on the sidelines, which means for the first time since 1969 there will be no Italian on the grid this season. Petrov said: "This is a very exciting day for me. Lotus has grown from one of the new teams to a serious force for future honours. "The passion and spirit of team owner Tony Fernandes and the whole team have to keep moving forwards is infectious. "I am honoured to be able to join them and play my part in helping the teammount a serious challenge to the teams ahead in 2012 and for many seasons to come. "I have been training hard all winter and am ready to get back into the cockpit and go to work. "From what I have seen already, our new car is another good step forward from 2011, and now I cannot wait to see how it feels when we get to Barcelona for the second test next week." THE SUN .