Renault to stick with Trulli

The Italian is enjoying his best Formula 1 season to date after he took his maiden victory at the Monaco Grand Prix in May. Until the Canadian Grand Prix last weekend, Trulli had scored points in all seven races, his lowest position being seventh at the opening round in Australia.

Team boss Flavio Briatore now looks set to reward Trulli with an extended contract but he has yet to confirm the deal saying only that an announcement regarding the Italian's future will come in July.

"We are talking about July. Probably the French Grand Prix," he told Autosport.

Should Trulli remain with the team, the doors are then open for Jaguar's Mark Webber to reach a deal with Williams, who have made no secret of its wish to secure the Australian's services. It was thought that Briatore - who manages both Webber and Trulli's contracts - may have brought Webber in to replace Trulli next year. The path is now clear for Williams to begin its fight against Toyota for the coveted star.