Petrov coy on F1 future

Uncontracted driver Vitaly Petrov has hinted that his Formula One future will be settled within the next week.

Petrov drove for the Lotus Renault team in 2010 and 2011 but his contract was not renewed for next season.Romain Grosjean replaced Petrov - the only Russian to ever drive in Formula One - at Lotus Renault, leaving his predecessor's future within the sport in doubt.

The 27-year-old has been linked with a role at Pirelli if he does not manage to capture a race seat in 2012, but he implied that his future will be resolved soon."If I say something it will be turned into lots of stories," Petrov said at a Pirelli event in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday.

"But please wait a little bit, another week. I want to say something but I can't say at the moment."

Petrov feels it will be difficult to re-enter the sport if he misses a year and added that he bears no grudge toward Lotus Renault despite their decision to drop him.

"I want to stay in F1 because if I lose one year then it will be very difficult to come back and to take some places for 2013," he said.

"So it is important to stay."

"The team made the decision (to get rid of me) and I have to accept it, move on and prepare for the next season. What's done is done."

The first race of the Formula One season will be held in Melbourne on March 18.