Jarno Trulli has advised his former Renault teammate and friend Fernando Alonso against joining the Toyota team in 2008.
The Italian switched to the Japanese squad at the end of 2004, where he has struggled through three subsequent seasons.
Following the imminent departure of Ralf Schumacher, Trulli’s teammate for 2008 is not yet confirmed, but Toyota bosses say they would be delighted to welcome the Spanish double world champion to the team if he is free.
Asked in an interview with the Spanish newspaper El Mundo if he would like to again race alongside Alonso, Trulli replied: “I would be really happy to.
“I never had any problems with him and we got along really well at Renault. But honestly, I do not see him coming here.”
When asked why not, 33-year-old Trulli indicated that Cologne based Toyota, albeit with arguably the biggest budget in the paddock, is not yet ready to accept the sport’s most successful current driver.
“He must go to a winning car and one of the best teams,” the Italian said. “This season we have managed only eleven points, so I do not think that it is us.”
Trulli said all that Toyota can offer Alonso at present is “a lot of money”.
He denied, however, that he is growing increasingly disillusioned with his job as a grand prix driver.
“I am not bored with the driving but only the results. It is very frustrating,” Trulli admitted.
Asked what he thought Toyota’s problem has been since entering formula one in 2002, Trulli answered: “We did not find the key to winning races.
“Every year we have had problems. When I arrived in 2005, it was a very tough season, but it has turned out as the best of the three that I have been here.
“I could not have imagined that!” he marvelled. “Things have not gone as expected.”
