F1: Mikhail Aleshin targets to be second Russian on 2011 F1 grid

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From GMM

There could be as many as two Russian drivers on the 2011 formula one grid next season.

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.