Trulli optimistic he'll be in F1 next year

The Italian's future at Toyota has been surrounded by doubt for several weeks, but it is now looking almost certain that he will not be staying with his current team.

Trulli has already been linked with a return to Renault and he told AUTOSPORT on Friday that while not wishing to discuss how his plans were shaping up, he was bullish about his prospects.

"At the moment, to be honest, I don't want to talk too much about the situations because there are lots of rumours and stuff about drivers and teams," he said. "I will just keep quiet.

"I have some options and also we need to see what about Toyota. But in general I am optimistic. Let's wait and see."

Team president John Howett insisted it was very possible Trulli will not remain in the team next year.

"I would say it is unlikely that he will be with us next year. That is my genuine feeling," Howett said. "I don't like to say that, because they also have careers, and I think he has done a great job for us.

"We have tried to find a landing position and so far we haven't. But I think it is very unlikely."