Former Renault driver, Vitaly Petrov, looks likely to secure the role of test driver with Pirelli.

As the Italian tyre manufacturer unveiled its 2012 F1 tyre range in Abu Dhabi this morning, the Russian's manager, Oksana Kosachenko, issued a statement claiming the driver had secured the role.

Pirelli subsequently issued a tweet joking that Petrov would get the job providing he beat Italian model Bianca Balti and Spanish model Ines Sastre in a scheduled kart race.

Speaking to reporters, Pirelli Motorsport Director, Paul Hembery, said that while as deal had not yet been agreed it was looking likely.

We will see how it goes," he said. "There is always a lot of tyre development work to do, and we are eager to have a driver who has experience of racing from the previous year."

Petrov, who is attending the event has been linked with the second seat at Caterham even though (present incumbent) Jarno Trulli has a contract for this season - much like Petrov's contract with Lotus F1 (nee Lotus Renault GP).

The Russian would follow in the steps of Pedro de la Rosa, Lucas di Grassi and Nick Heidfeld, who have all served as test drivers for the Italian tyre manufacturer since it announced its return to F1 in 2010.

While many thought Petrov had done enough to secure his seat with Lotus for 2012 - not to mention the two year contract agreed at the end of 2010 - the Russian was subsequently dropped in favour of Romain Grosjean.

The tyre manufacturer also admitted that it is seeking a more contemporary car for testing purposes, though it declined to say what chassis it might be. Up until now the company has used a 2009 Toyota.