After leaving F1, Vitaly was without a drive until moving to the DTM in 2014. This didn't go successfully and so was left without a seat and worked as an online columnist and expert for Russian motorsport media. In 2016 though, he moved to the World Endurance Championship and remained there in 2019. The first Russian to race in the World Championship, Petrov started his career late - aged 18 - and competing in rallies and ice racing - these days an unconventional route to the top. A strong Euroseries season in 2006, then followed by a string of decent GP2 drives then propelled him forward. He has done a little bit of off-road racing and has acted on the FIA Drivers Commission and as an official F1 steward. He now works as a senior official for the Russian Automobile Federation.

Biography last updated 18 Apr 2023