Trulli set to leave Renault

Italian Renault driver Jarno Trulli has announced this morning that he is to leave his current team at the end of this season. Jarno was said to have trouble negotiating a new Renault contract and has been repeatedly linked to a Toyota drive in 2005. The latter however is uncertain, but Trulli will not be at Renault next year.

Rumours had also reported the main problem in the negotiations was team boss Briatore, who was said to be unwilling to forgive Trulli's mistake in the last corner of Magny-Cours, which costed him a podium place.

"I hereby announce that I will be leaving the Renault F1 Team at the end of the 2004 season. I am happy with this decision, and feel very confident as my plans for the future are clear. I will inform you of them in due course," Trulli said in Hockenheim.

"I would like to thank everyone at Renault for the trust and support they have given me during the past three seasons, and also to thank the team for releasing from my obligations after the final Grand Prix of the season."

"However, until that time, I remain as motivated as ever, and am fully focused on the current championship. This season has been a very successful one, and I intend to add more achievements, for myself and the team, before it is over."