Petrov must start scoring points: Renault

Renault have told Russian Formula One rookie Vitaly Petrov that he must start scoring regular points to secure his future with the team.

Petrov has scored in only of his 10 races so far, when he finished seventh in China in April for six points. Polish teammate Robert Kubica's tally stands at 83.

"His future is actually in his hands," principal Eric Boullier said in a Renault team podcast on their website (www.renaultf1.com).

"We have not been disappointed by him, he clearly is the best rookie in the paddock," added the Frenchman.

"He's clearly today lacking some consistency to get the points he deserves and we definitely need to have both cars scoring points, so that's obviously creating some rumours about him and his race seat," added Boullier.

"But we are totally committed to him. We are happy to have him on board and we will do everything we can to help him to get the final step to where we want him to be."

Renault have confirmed Kubica as their driver until the end of 2012 but his partner has not been confirmed, with various other names mentioned in media speculation including former world champion Kimi Raikkonen.

Kubica told reporters at last weekend's British Grand Prix that he wanted a strong teammate.