Trulli Positive Despite No Points

Italian Jarno Trulli was positive following the Japanese Grand Prix, despite failing to score any points for the Toyota team.

Trulli, making his racing debut with the Japanese squad following his exit from Renault, qualified in a promising sixth place but could only finish down in 11th, behind Canadian Jacques Villeneuve, the man who replaces him at Renault.

The Toyota driver strugggled with his tyres and dropped down the order quickly. Trulli, nonetheless, was pleased with his debut.

"I do not think that we could have achieved anything better today," said Trulli. "After a good qualifying, which put me sixth on the grid, I got a good start and was up to fifth place at the end of the first lap. Unfortunately, during the race, there was a big tyre drop-off, which compromised the car balance and grip levels and made it a tough afternoon for me.

"However, there are only positives to take away from this weekend; it was my race debut for Toyota and I gathered a lot of valuable experience, which was my priority here in Suzuka this weekend."