OREANDA-NEWS. August 27, 2012. Russian Helicopters, a leading global designer and manufacturer of helicopters and sponsor of the Caterham F1 Team, this week brought Caterham driver Vitaly Petrov to Ulan-Ude as part of its campaign to popularise high-tech sports. The driver, who brought his racing machine with him to the Buryat capital, was welcomed as an honoured guest.

Petrov visited the Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant, where he tried his hand at one of the operations involved in helicopter assembly. Helicopter technology is similar to that used in F1 car construction, and Vitaly has always found it fascinating.

Workers at the plant asked about what Formula 1 drivers have in common with helicopter pilots and about Vitaly's personal secrets to success – and especially whether it is down more to financial investment, skill or sheer good fortune.

“Talent will go to waste without dedication and hard work. I have always worked hard and trained hard,” Vitaly Petrov said.

Everyone at the event agreed that helicopters and F1 cars use leading-edge technologies in their construction, and that both are designed, used and maintained by people who love everything high-tech.

Vitaly Petrov took the wheel of one of the Plant’s electric buggies for an impromptu drive-around, before going to meet with Buryatia’s top racing drivers and young go-karters.