Whilst many drivers are against the new regulations changes for the 2011 season, particularly the Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) and the drag-reducing rear-wing (DRS), Vitaly Petrov was relieved to have the devices at his disposal during the Chinese GP.
The Renault R31 struggled for pace during qualifying compared to previous sessions in Australia and Malaysia. Petrov could only manage P10 after a mechanical issue during Q2, as a result of that Nick Heidfeld only managed P16.
However, the Russian driver managed to finish in ninth despite coming under pressure several times during the race. He thanked the KERS system which he described as a ‘life-saver’.
“KERS saved my life on Sunday,” smiled Petrov. “It saved my position a few times during the race plus it enabled me to do some overtaking.”
He also praised the DRS system which some people suggested would make overtaking too easy. Petrov doesn’t believe that to be the case, but agreed it provided an advantage for a faster following car.
“When you fight in a group with two other cars, it is tough to use the rear wing (DRS) but it definitely provides an advantage,” he added.
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