Vitaly Petrov will this season become the first Russian to compete in Formula One after being confirmed as Renault's second driver.
The 25-year-old from Vyborg was unveiled by the team, along with their new challenger - the R30, at the Ricardo Tormo circuit in Valencia on Sunday.
Petrov, has signed a one-year contract to partner Robert Kubica with an option for a further two years.
Petrov finished as runner-up behind new Williams driver Nico Hulkenberg in the 2009 GP2 Series, which is seen as F1's feeder category, but he will be relying heavily on the experience of his new team-mate Kubica.
The Pole, who made his debut with BMW Sauber in 2006, is regarded as one of F1's brightest talents and was signed by Renault as a replacement for their double world champion Fernando Alonso, who is now at Ferrari.
His father Aleksander is providing full financial support, which has been confirmed as seven per cent of Renault's budget - estimated at £13million.
"I'm really happy. It's brilliant, what I've waited for for a long time," said a delighted Petrov.
"A couple of days ago the team made their decision, and I signed a contract this morning, so I am very happy. Have you seen my face?
"With this news there's been a big explosion in Russia, on TV and in the newspapers, and people have been calling, asking me about it, and I've had to switch off my phone.
"I now need to concentrate on my job because this is something new to me, and I hope it will be good.
"But the people in Russia, they must wake up to what has happened here because we are in F1 without any sponsorship and any help.
"My father has given me the money to be here. It's just him, my manager and my father's friends. No-one else. But now people will see us in Formula One and hopefully it will change things."
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