AUGUST 11, 2004

Has Trulli signed for Toyota?

While the Formula 1 spotlight is currently on Jenson Button, we are hearing suggestions from Germany that Toyota has now finalised its deal for next year with Jarno Trulli, our sources saying that the contract was signed at the start of the week.

Jarno Trulli, German GP 2004
© The Cahier Archive

While the Formula 1 spotlight is currently on Jenson Button, we are hearing suggestions from Germany that Toyota has now finalised its deal for next year with Jarno Trulli, our sources saying that the contract was signed at the start of the week. Toyota said a few days ago that there was no intention to sign any deals in the near future with the replacement of Cristiano da Matta being justified because it offered the team the opportunity to try out Ricardo Zonta. If this is indeed the case then the signing of Trulli is unlikely although the source of the information is generally reliable. It is not unusual for Toyota to conclude a deal and then wait to announce it. The deal with Ralf Schumacher was done some weeks before the announcement was made.

If Trulli has been signed, this will mean that Olivier Panis will be on the market for next year.