Trulli had prepared to leave Caterham
Jarno Trulli stated that he was prepared to leave Caterham, despite his recent statements in which he assured the security of his position as a main driver for the 2012 season.
It has been official since Friday, the Russian driver Vitaly Petrov replaces Jarno Trulli at Caterham for the 2012 season. A decision that likely puts a definitive end to the Italian’s career in Formula 1.
Although disappointed, Trulli highlighted the positive aspects of the new partnership between Caterham and Petrov, while noting that the financial aspect played a significant role in this choice: Personally, I am not dissatisfied. I was prepared for a possible separation from Caterham, knowing that the difficult economic situation prompted the team to find a driver with adequate financial support. Small teams have needs, and the contracts are clear. I hope that with Petrov’s contribution, everyone working within the team can have a more secure future.
With the sidelining of Jarno Trulli, it will be the first time since the 1970 season that no Italians will be present on the starting grid. This situation, which France has recently experienced, Italy will face head-on, with a noticeable lack of support for young drivers in the country: « Formula 1 without Italian drivers is truly unfortunate. I’m sorry, but the problem is not mine; others must take responsibility for this impoverishment, for a situation that, after all, didn’t start yesterday and on which no action has been taken. In Italy, there is no system that helps young drivers emerge at a high level, so it is normal to find ourselves in situations like this. There is talent, but without anyone’s support, they are hopeless. »
For his part, Stefano Domenicali, sporting director of Scuderia Ferrari, is also saddened by the situation but envisions a slightly less bleak future for an Italian presence in Formula 1 in the medium term: « This is a difficult time for our sport, partly due to external reasons. For a few years now, Ferrari, through its Young Driver Academy, has established a long-term plan to create a new generation of young drivers, and I am pleased to see that soon we will be able to announce that two talented young drivers, Raffaele Marciello and Brandon Maïsano, will have the chance to have an excellent opportunity to progress in this sport.»
