Search:



The Web

Rediff










Home > Sports > Formula One > Reuters > Report

Trulli joins Toyota

September 16, 2004 13:15 IST

Jarno Trulli will drive for Toyota next season, the Formula One team announced on Thursday.

Toyota said the Italian, winner of this year's Monaco Grand Prix for Renault, had signed a two-year contract and will have his first test of the team's Formula One car at Silverstone later on Thursday.

There was no word about whether he might drive for the team before the end of the season.

Trulli, one of only four drivers to have won a race this season, left Renault by mutual agreement this week and next year will partner Germany's Ralf Schumacher, who is joining from Williams.

"It's no secret that we have been speaking with Jarno Trulli for some time about the possibility for him to join (Toyota)," said team boss Tsutomu Tomita in a statement.

"But contrary to recent reports we have only finalised contractual details this week.

"Jarno has really shown his maturity and all-round talent this season, both in qualifying and in races, and we believe that he will be the perfect team mate for Ralf."

Tomita emphasised that there would be no 'driver orders', with both men enjoying equal treatment and status.

He said Brazilian Ricardo Zonta, who replaced departed compatriot Cristiano da Matta in the driver line-up last month, would continue with the team as a Friday test and reserve driver next season.

French veteran Olivier Panis, retiring from racing, will also stay in 2005 to help with testing.

"I think that Toyota will have one of the strongest driver line-ups in Formula One for next season," said Tomita.



Article Tools
Email this article
Top emailed links
Print this article
Write us a letter
Discuss this article



Related Stories


Schumi seals seventh world title

Of men and machinations

Second coming at Spa



People Who Read This Also Read


Villeneuve eager for revenge








Formula One: The Complete Coverage

© Copyright 2004 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.











Copyright © 2004 rediff.com India Limited. All Rights Reserved.