TOKYO, 6 October 2004 — Jarno Trulli makes his debut for Toyota at the Japanese Grand Prix this weekend looking to prove that Renault boss Flavio Briatore was wrong to ditch him in favor of Jacques Villeneuve for the final three races of the 2004 season.
Briatore’s deciscion came after Trulli failed to score a point at Monza that led to Renault being overtaken by BAR-Honda for second place in the constructors’ championship which has already been won by Ferrari. Michael Schumacher has also already claimed the drivers’ title with the Italian marque.
“It will be a big challenge for me to join Panasonic Toyota Racing for the final two races of this season in Japan and Brazil, but I am more motivated than ever before,” said Trulli, who despite not racing in China lies fifth in the drivers’ standings on 46 points.
“I have had four days testing over the last three weeks, working mainly on making myself comfortable in the car and settling into my new team,” he said.
The Italian said he was particularly pleased that his race debut was at Toyota’s home grand prix in Suzuka, where he is sure to get a warm welcome.
“We will certainly gain a useful time advantage in preparation for next year, as we can iron out any potential problems before we really get down to concentrating on the 2005 season,” said this year’s Monaco GP winner.
“Japan is also a very special race for me personally, as I have a lot of loyal supporters, who always give me a warm welcome.”
Trulli has signed a two-year contract with Toyota, where he will race alongside current BMW-Williams driver Ralf Schumacher but in Suzuka his teammate will be Olivier Panis, who will be competing in his 157th and final F1 race in Japan.
Panis,38, will then be replaced by Trulli for the final race of the year in Brazil as well as for the 2005 season.
“I always enjoy racing in front of the Japanese Toyota fans, but this year’s event will also be quite emotional for me because it will be my final Formula 1 race,” said the Frenchman, adding that he hoped to make a difference for the team in his new role as third driver. “In that respect, having Jarno on board will be very helpful in setting ourselves up for next season,” said Panis. “He has been a good friend of mine since our time as teammates (with the Prost team) and I know we will work very well together.
“All I am hoping for this weekend is to finish my racing career with some points.” Like Trulli, Panis’ only F1 victory came at Monaco where he took the checkered flag in 1996.
