Mat Coch writes:

Having agreed a two year deal with Renault at the start of the year, Vitaly Petrov has dismissed suggestions that his future with the team is anything but certain. Comments from team boss Eric Boullier earlier in the week hinted that, despite a contract being in place, the agreement could be broken.

"Everything is fine, it's just bulls**t from the newspapers," claimed the Russian. "At the beginning of this season we signed for two years and I don't see the point in to be worried."

Members of the British press corps however, weren't satisfied with Petrov's response, suggesting that Boullier's comments put the Russian on notice. "The contract can be finished not only because I did a bad season or scored less points, the contract can be finished by other particular things like money and things like that. That's why he said it," the 27-year-old snapped back angrily.

Given Nick Heidfeld's recent demise the pressure is on for what seems to be the last competitive seat for 2012. However, with Bruno Senna growing in confidence, and Robert Kubica set to make a return in a touring car in the coming weeks, not to mention (Boullier managed) Romain Grosjean waiting in the wings, it's little wonder the topic arose.

Petrov however, remains defiant, confident that his position within the team is safe and the speculation is just that. "I think for me, and for people who know what I am doing, I think it's rubbish to talk about this," he said.

In Melbourne Petrov became the first Russian driver to stand on a Formula One podium, however since then his best result has been fifth place in the Canadian Grand Prix. He's currently ninth in the drivers' championship with 34 points, one spot ahead of former teammate Nick Heidfeld.