Vitaly Petrov is still holding out for a Formula 1 drive this season, his manager Oksana Kosachenko told RIA Novosti on Wednesday.
Petrov became Russia’s first F1 driver in 2010, but lost his place at the end of last year when the Lotus Renault team hired Finnish former world champion Kimi Raikkonen and France’s Romain Grosjean.
Kosachenko announced Wednesday that Petrov would test Pirelli's F1 tires, sparking speculation the 27-year-old driver had lost hope of getting a drive.
"I won't hide it, the main issue at the moment is over our partners and sponsors, whether they will support the program we are offering. Unfortunately, we are running out of time. ... There is a chance that Vitaly will end up in a Formula One team, even as the lead pilot."
In the past she has refused to comment on speculation that Petrov may replace veteran Italian Jarno Trulli at the Caterham team.
"I don't comment on rumors," Kosachenko said Wednesday, "But for those in the know about Formula One, it's totally clear where Vitaly could end up. All you need to do it take a look at the driver list, and it's totally clear," she said, refusing to elaborate.
The only team with a spare seat is HRT, where Pedro de la Rosa has the lead drive.
Petrov finished 10th in last year's championship with 37 points. There had been calls for Lotus Renault to replace him after a weak debut season, but he answered his critics with a third-placed finish at the first Grand Prix of the season in Australia.
