Toyota extends Trulli contract

As has been hinted at recently, Toyota confirmed on July 28th that the team and Jarno Trulli have extended their relationship and the Italian has signed to drive through to 2009. Trulli joined Toyota towards the end of 2004, after he and Renault parted company, and scored the team's first ever front row start and podium finish in 2005.

Jarno Trulli.

Photo by xpb.cc.

"I am 100% sure of Toyota's potential and of its chances of challenging for the Formula One World Championship," Trulli said. "I am therefore more than happy to continue my excellent relationship with the team into the longer term and to try to achieve our common goals."

Toyota improved drastically last season and finished the year fourth in the constructors' standings. There was great anticipation for this season but the team has struggled and Trulli and teammate Ralf Schumacher have so far scored eight points apiece.

Although it's been difficult there has been improvement recently, with Trulli fourth in America and Schumacher fourth in France. Schumacher is contracted through next season and Toyota believes continuity with drivers is a key element.

"When you are developing a team and car and working towards the ultimate aim of winning, it is always helpful to have continuity among your drivers," said team principal Tsutomu Tomita.

"Jarno has played a key role in improving our performance during the two years that he has already been with us and we are delighted to continue the relationship."

This weekend's German Grand Prix is a home event for Toyota, as the team is based in Cologne, and it also announced that next year it will supply engines to Williams. Schumacher's former team and his and Trulli's current one will run the same spec engines in 2007.