Trulli Expects to Race at Japanese GP

Italian Jarno Trulli says he expects to make his racing debut with the Toyota team at the Japanese Grand Prix in two weeks time.

Trulli terminated his contract with the Renault team following the Italian Grand Prix, and has already tested with Toyota at the Silverstone circuit. The Italian said he had missed this weekend's Chinese Grand Prix because of problems with his car's seat.

But Trulli, who earlier this month ruled out racing in 2004, will be testing at the Jerez circuit next week and he expects to compete at Suzuka, although it is unclear if he will replace Ricardo Zonta or Olivier Panis.

"It will all be down to how the test will go in Jerez and how I will feel inside the car, but I think there are good chances of debuting with my new team already at the next race in Japan," Trulli told Italian television.

"Because of problems with the seat I decided to stay in Europe and to carry on working with the team.

"I spent several days in Cologne where we spoke about the future and we prepared a new seat in preparation for the three-day test in Jerez next week, in anticipation of my imminent debut, which hopefully will be at the next race."