Trulli Not Focusing on Toyota Extension

Jarno Trulli doesn't seem too concerned about his F1 future, despite the fact that he only scored 7 points in the last 5 races for Toyota. Although the Japanese manufacturer gave a straight-up ultimatum for race wins in 2009 to their Cologne-based team, both Trulli and teammate Timo Glock seem very far from that goal, as shown by the TF109's pace in Europe so far.

Although Trulli has scored more points – and podiums – than his teammate this season, he is the one who will have to bring up the contract-extension discussion with his team in the late stages of 2009. The Italian's deal with the team expires at the end of the current season, but Trulli doesn't seem too pressured by his uncertain situation ahead of 2010. Toyota are still to call him for negotiations.

“At the moment I am driving, and really enjoying it. As long as you drive quick there is no reason to be concerned. Obviously you don't know what is going to happen, as it is hard to see where F1 is heading to at the moment, but that will all be clear soon,” Trulli was quoted as saying to British magazine Autosport.

“I feel very strong and very competitive, so I just hope I can stay in F1 and I am confident, but it is difficult to talk at the moment because the teams are busy doing other things at the moment,” added the Italian.

Continuing with Toyota may not be something that Trulli can control, however, as there are more and more rumors suggesting the Japanese manufacturer will leave the sport at the end of 2009. Their withdrawing their support for the Fuji Speedway earlier this year added to the allegations that Toyota is not willing to pump any more money in their F1 operations given the ongoing economic crisis.