Grapevine: Trulli Says No to Benetton

Jordan driver Jarno Trulli has denied the reports which claimed he would go to the Benetton team at the end of the 2001 season.

Trulli's manager and Benetton boss Flavio Briatore said in October last year that the Italian would drive for the Renault-owned team in 2002.

"Next year Giancarlo Fisichella and Jenson Button will be our two drivers," Briatore said back in October. "But in 2002 Trulli will take the place of Fisichella."

But Trulli, who is to start his second season with the Jordan team, claimed the decision to choose where to go is his.

"During the middle of the season I can decide what to do," Trulli said. "I have a contract with Flavio Briatore which is nothing to do with Benetton.

"“He is my manager, but I decide where I want to go. He might ask me to go to Benetton but if this team [Jordan] is the number one this year, do you think I will go?

"I don't think so, I will stay."