Trulli extends Team Lotus contract

In a press release on their website, Team Lotus have revealed that Jarno Trulli has extended his contract with the team until the end of 2012. Trulli joined the team alongside Heikki Kovalainen late in 2009 after Toyota pulled out of the sport. It will be the Italian's third season with the team as they look to establish themselves in Formula One. Evidently the team are making small, if not yet spectacular, strides and Trulli will play a key role in hauling Team Lotus up the grid.

The 37 year old said: "I am very pleased that we have been able to confirm today that my contract with Team Lotus has been extended into 2012. The challenge I first accepted when I joined the team is becoming more exciting every day, and I am very proud that I can keep helping the team take steps forward for at least another year. I would like to thank Tony, Kamarudin and Nasa for the chance to keep working with them, Riad, Mike and the whole team and I am looking forward to the challenges that lay ahead."

It has been a difficult season for the one-time race winner who has undoubtedly struggled with the power steering system of the Lotus T128. So much so that he has only out-qualified team mate Kovalainen twice all season. He will start ahead of the Finn today at his home Grand Prix and Team Lotus team principal Tony Fernandes believes Jarno's experience and speed ensures he remains integral to the team.

He said: "We are all delighted that we have been able to reach an agreement to keep Jarno on board for at least one more year with our team. He has shown in qualifying in Monza just how much pace he has and how he can wring every last drop of performance out of his car and since day one with us he has brought a level of professionalism, insight and raw speed to our team that has helped accelerate our development on and off track. Today's announcement will give us the benefit of his experience and knowledge into 2012, another very important year in the growth of our team."

Trulli's role within the team for next season, though, remains unclear although many expect him to partner Kovalainen next term for what would be his 16th season in F1.

Josh.