rpm.espn.com: Jarno Trulli

ESPN Network: ESPN.com \| RPM \| NBA.com \| NHL.com \| ESPNdeportes \| ABCSports \| WNBA.com \| FANTASY

Put the pedal to the metal in ESPN's
Fantasy Racing 2002.
Get your teams today!

Friday, February 1

Jarno Trulli
ESPN.com

Team: Renault
Nationality: Italy

Jarno Trulli
Trulli

STATS

Year
Rank
Wins
Poles
Podium
Best finish

2001 9 0 0 0 4th, Twice

Career 0 0 1 2nd (Europe, 1999)

2001 Recap
The Good: Trulli proved to be very quick in qualifying last season for Jordan, but was unable to maintain that speed over a race distance. Trulli astounded many by qualifying in the top-eight in 15 out of 17 races. He also made it into the top-six on nine occasions.

Trulli left Jordan at the end of the season and joined business manager Flavio Briatore at Renault. For the first time in his Formula One career, Trulli feels like he is now with a "winning" team.

Season Highlight: After retiring from five straight events, Trulli bounced back at Indianapolis to finish fourth in the U.S. Grand Prix. His finish, however, was disqualified due to a mechanical problem. That ruling was then overturned in October and Trulli was allowed to keep his fourth-place showing.

The Bad: Despite his strong efforts in qualifying, Trulli was unable to translate that speed into consistent finishes. The Italian posted just five points-scoring finishes in 2001. But Trulli, who was running strong each time he was forced to retire, says his team and its car should share in the blame.

Season Lowlight: At Belgium, Trulli qualified a disappointing 16th but managed to fight his way up to fifth. Unfortunately, with just four laps remaining, Trulli's Honda engine expired, leaving his with another poor finish.

Jarno Trulli
Jarno Trulli tests in his new Renault at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona.

Key Stat: Trulli only finished seven events in 2001, but managed to score points in five of them. Only at Malaysia and Japan did the Italian fail to score when he was still running at the end.

2002 Outlook
What needs to be done: Benetton has switched over to Renault. And, following a tough transition year, the team appears to be on the rise after a difficult start to the 2001 season. Renault hopes its improved reliability will allow Trulli to maintain his speed on Sundays this season.

Prediction: Trulli is fast. No one disputes that. The only question is regarding his ride. If Renault can provide Trulli with a quick and reliable piece, the Italian is sure to improve his finishes in 2002.

While he may not be a threat for victory just yet, Trulli can surely set his sights on the podium this season.

Send this story to a friend | Most sent stories

	User comments on Jarno Trulli F1 off-season driver spotlight index