Trulli plays down talk of NASCAR switch

Jarno Trulli has dismissed reports he is set to switch to NASCAR in 2011 rather than stay another season with Lotus.

The Italian veteran has bemoaned his abysmal run of reliability with the new team this season, and travelled straight from the recent Korean Grand Prix to Miami.

There, the 36-year-old met up with his old friend Juan Pablo Montoya, rekindling memories of when Trulli tested a NASCAR late last year when his future was also uncertain at the end of Toyota's F1 foray.

It Interlagos on Friday, he was asked about his latest US visit.

"I know that Juan Pablo was testing somewhere a few days before but honestly no, I was there for a holiday and I think people are just making up rumours," said Trulli.

Lotus technical boss Mike Gascoyne hinted strongly on Friday that both Trulli and his current teammate Heikki Kovalainen are staying put for 2011.

"I think a decision is imminent," he added.

Trulli even admitted to France's Auto Hebdo in Brazil that he played a role in advising Lotus to switch to Renault power for 2011 and beyond.

"Honestly, yes," he is quoted as saying.

"I talked with Mike and Tony (Fernandes) about my experiences with Renault in the past.

"I am very happy about it because I'll be working again with Renault, with whom I get along really well.

"We seem to be doing the right things for the future so I think we can expect a good season next year," added Trulli.