Jarno Trulli says he does not regret leaving Renault in 2004 on the eve of the French squad’s back-to-back championship triumph.
The Italian driver, who signed a new three year Toyota contract this season, said Flavio Briatore-led Renault ‘wasn’t the place for me’.
“I’ve never regretted parting ways,” the 32-year-old told sports daily La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“My victory in Monte Carlo in 2004, instead of strengthening the relationship, marked the fracture. Never mind what the reasons were.”
Trulli’s relationship with his former manager broke down during the 2004 season, and Briatore hinted earlier in 2006 that his countryman ‘makes up too many excuses’ as a driver.
The turning point of the collapse, however, was the 2004 French grand prix, where a rival passed Trulli on the final lap.
Trulli said he thought Toyota struggled this year with the switch from Michelin to Bridgestone, as well as the reliability of the car.
He insisted: “I believe in Toyota’s potential but we need to quicken our step.”
GMMF1
DailyF1News.com
