Trulli to remain at Toyota until 2009

Sources close to the team have confirmed that Trulli and the Japanese manufacturer have agreed to continue their relationship beyond the end of this year, when his current deal runs out, and the contract is in the final stages of being sorted out.

It is believed that the deal will last for a total of three years, although it is not clear if this is guaranteed or depends on options. It is not known when an official announcement will be made.

Trulli has welcomed the fact that his future now appears sorted, and especially that he will have some long-term security. It comes despite a run of bad luck having left him without a single championship point so far this season.

Speaking about his new deal, the Italian told autosport.com: "I have learned in Formula One that the team and the car play the biggest role in an F1 driver's career.

"Consistency is the only way to go if you really want to grow up. I know that Toyota has got big potential. I was surprised and amazed by last year's performance.

"This year is a tough season, but you don't have to give up at the first problem you find on your part. You really have to believe in what you have, believe in the environment you have, and then eventually say, 'okay, let's carry on and see what happens'.

"Only at the end of a longer term contract can you say if you have been successful or not. If you keep changing, then I don't think it is a good idea."

Trulli believes the length of the deal is important, because of the big changes that are coming in the next few years. A revamp of regulations in 2008 is likely to shake up the field and a difficult campaign then could compromise a driver's chances of getting a deal for the following year.

"It is important," said Trulli about getting a long-term contract. "If you keep an eye on what is happening and what will happen to F1, you have to have a target.

"Next year, okay we (F1) will have another season similar to this one, but in two years' time everything is going to change again. And I am sure you can then get a good season or a bad season.

"If you get a good season then okay, but if you have a bad season then you still have one more chance the following year.

"You cannot just live year by year. And that is not only me, it is also the team. Every time a driver steps in the car, he wants the car in a different way, the engine in a different way, the handling in a different way.

"So every time the team has new drivers it has to rework again and redevelop again in a different direction."