With 252 Grand Prix under his belt, Jarno Trulli is one of F1’s most experienced drivers and is a member of the winners club (one win, Monaco 2004).
The Team Lotus driver had a complicated season in 2011 and suffered against his competitive teammate Heikki Kovalainen.
Season review:
Trulli’s season started well, with a 13th place in Australia. He equaled this result at Monaco.
The Italian suffered four retirements during the season, all caused by mechanical problems – Malaysia (clutch), Great-Britain ( oil leak), Hungary (water leak) and Singapore (gearbox).
Regarded as an excellent qualifier, Trulli was given a really hard time by Kovalainen in 2011. Indeed, the Finn comprehensively out-qualified him.
The veteran also struggled with Lotus’ power steering system and agreed to sit out the German Grand Prix, waiting for the new system to be introduced in Hungary. It gave him a better feeling but was not the miraculous solution Trulli was hoping for. He actually even had to revert to the old system a few times.
Conclusion:
His two 13th place finishes allowed Trulli to finish the year ahead of his teammate Kovalainen.
He extended his contract with Lotus/Caterham for one more season but it is now speculated he might have to make way for Daniel Ricciardo.
Highs:
— Ahead of Kovalainen in the final standings
— Only four retirements
— Valuable experience
Lows :
— Outperformed by Kovalainen in qualification
— Dwindling motivation ?
— Struggled with the power steering system
Nextgen-Auto.com marks:
— Olivier Ferret : 9/20
— D.Thys : 12/20
— Sandrine Bouchard : 11/20
— Jean-Michel Setbon : 9/20
— Average on the forum Nextgen-Auto.com : 9/20
— Total : 50/100