Trulli Says a Toyota Official Wants to Damage His Image

Jarno Trulli finally spoke his mind about his contractual situation with Toyota F1 Team. Following several rumors linking him with a departure from the Cologne based squad at the end of this season, the Italian veteran insisted that the majority of the members within the team want him to continue for a 6th consecutive season in the red-and-white outfit.

However, Trulli hinted that there is “maybe one person” who wants him out of the picture, although he didn't give the reporters a name. However, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out who the Italian driver was referring to, as he continued by saying that the person who wants him out is the same one “who wants to denigrate me through the media.”

Trulli's comments appeared on James Allen's blog shortly after his failed performance at the Brazilian Grand Prix. His more than obvious referral to Toyota's team president John Howett came after the British official continuously blamed the Italian driver for scoring poorer results than the car allows him to.

“There were 80 or so people there and you would struggle to find one who did not want me at the team next year. Well maybe one.. (...) I don’t know if Toyota will want to keep me or not, if there is someone who wants to denigrate me through the media,” said Trulli, according to the aforementioned source.

Earlier this month, Howett publicly stated that there are very slim chances of Toyota extending Trulli's contract for an additional season, after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. However, when talking to the media after the Brazilian GP, the Toyota president hinted that Trulli is still in the race for a seat next year, alongside Kimi Raikkonen, Timo Glock and even Kamui Kobayashi.

Toyota's initial thoughts of completely changing their lineup for next season suffered a serious blow this month, when Robert Kubica “was stolen” by Renault for 2010. In addition, the offer made by the Japanese manufacturer to Finnish driver Kimi Raikkonen doesn't seem to cover the Finn's financial requirements, which may lead Toyota to change their strategy once again, based on the options within the drivers' market.