Vitaly Petrov told Sky Sports News that he is ready to compete in the 2012 Formula One season - now he just needs a team.
Russian says he is ready to race this season
Vitaly Petrov says he is ready to compete in the 2012 Formula One season - if a team wants him.
After criticising Lotus (then called Renault),
for the team's performance and development of the 2011 car, the Russian was eventually shown the door.
In 2012, Lotus will be led by former World Champion Kimi Raikkonen alongside Romain Grosjean.
Petrov's appearance at Pirelli's tyre launch in Abu Dhabi this week had sparked rumours of a test driver role for the tyre manufacturer -
something they were quick to deny.
The 27-year-old has also been linked with Jarno Trulli's seat at Caterham and the one remaining vacant seat in Formula One at HRT.
The Russian told
Sky Sports News: "It's already 2012, so I am fully recuperated and ready to work. Now I just have to wait on an answer from a team and hopefully I will be at the first test."
Petrov also feels that following two years of Red Bull domination, 2012 could be McLaren's year.
He added: "I think Lewis (Hamilton) will come back this season, and of course Jenson Button did a fantastic job last year.
"Maybe he's not as quick as Lewis, but he can do a fantastic job during the race and take a few wins."
