Trulli believes in Toyota
Jarno Trulli believes Toyota have the potential to be stronger than any other team in Formula One after revealing he is close to extending his contract there.
The Italian, who joined Toyota for 2005 and scored their first podium soon after, is in advanced talks over a new deal, although he denied reports a three-year contract has already been signed.
Toyota already have Ralf Schumacher under contract and seem certain now to go into the 2007 season with the same line-up for the third straight year.
Trulli said: “I haven’t signed anything. At the moment I am in talks and close to a contract with Toyota. But at the moment it is not done.”
The 31-year-old, whose only grand prix win came with Renault in 2004, is convinced Toyota can live up to their billing as Formula One’s big spenders.
The Japanese company entered the sport in 2002 but found it tough to break into the upper echelons before last season’s surprise success.
This year has been a struggle but Trulli has complete faith in the Cologne-based team to become a force in Formula One.
He added: “I believe in Toyota, that is why last year I joined Toyota, that is why I am thinking I can have a chance to stay here in order to develop the car and make a winning car.
“Last year was a fantastic season that I could not believe because I was always fighting for the top five. This year was completely the opposite to what I thought.
“You have to look at what is the team’s potential and I really believe that in terms of potential there is no team as strong as Toyota can be.”
