Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone is pushing hard for Vitaly Petrov to get a drive this season after being frozen out at Lotus Renault, his manager told RIA Novosti on Monday.
The Russian's future in the sport was thrown into doubt after the team hired 2007 champion Kimi Raikkonen and promoted test driver Romain Grosjean to the second seat ahead of Petrov late last year.
His manager Oksana Kosachenko told RIA Novosti on Monday that he is still holding out for a drive this season and that he had a bit hitter on his side.
"As soon as it became clear that we could stay with Lotus Renault, I spoke with Bernie. He expressed his support and tried to talk with the teams," Kosachenko said.
"The teams are, however, completely independent from Bernie Ecclestone, so he can't influence their decisions in any way, unfortunately."
Kosachenko rejected rumors that Petrov, who is anxious to reenter the sport's elite ahead of 2014, when Russia hosts its first grand prix in Sochi, had signed with the Caterham team to replace Jarno Trulli.
Petrov finished 10th in last year's championship with 37 points.
