Trulli: NASCAR's a possibility but it's F1 for now

Monday 16th November 2009

On the eve of his first NASCAR test, Jarno Trulli admits a switch to the American series could be a possibility for the future but for now he wants to remain in F1.

Trulli, who has yet to confirm a F1 deal for next year's Championship, is set to drive a Sprint Cup series Toyota Camry on 16 and 17 November at the half-mile New Smyrna Speedway in Florida.

The Italian is taking part in the two-day test with the Michael Waltrip Racing team, who have already stated that they will be taking the outing very seriously as they wouldn't mind if the former Toyota driver made the move over to NASCAR.

But, at least for now, Trulli says it's just a test as he still wants to remain in Formula One.

"To be honest this was a test that we've been trying to organise since last year and it only came this year," he told Autosport.

"I just want to get a taste of a NASCAR car, a stock car because it's going to be the first time for me. So I'm really curious to see if I'm able to get an idea from these series.

"Obviously looking at today's situation it's pretty clear that I can race in Formula 1 next year, but doing this test might keep many doors open. So, I'm fully open on any kind of stuff, even though my priority is to stay in Formula 1."

But despite wanting to remain in Formula One, Trulli believes the sport is in the midst of a crisis as over the past year three manufacturer teams, Honda, BMW and Toyota have withdrawn from the sport due to financial reasons.

"It doesn't seem too healthy at the moment," he said when asked about the state of F1. "It's just my opinion, but I don't want to make any further comment. I think there's some work to do."

Your Comments

NuttyJon

"Open wheel drivers think they can race anything but find that Nascar's a very different game. It's taken Juan Pablo three years to learn how to make the car behave and how to work with the other drivers - and he was one of the best in F1.

Likewise stock car racers find F1 very difficult to get into - the p/w ratio is so different and there's so much hi-tech to learn.

Both codes have hugely talented and very competitive drivers, but you can only compare apples with apples."

fairplay

"@ marmac97.A very derogatory way to describe one of F1's genuine former stars,if you don't mind me asking,what do the scales read when you take a reading as often the pot likes calling the kettle black eh.And M Ambrose ?,he might have been kingpin in V8 supertubs but F1,lol.Best cackle I've had today,& fatboy (your words) has kicked his ocker arse all year mate.Show a little respect son"

marmac97

"of the current crop of Nascar drivers only Marcus Ambrose or fat boy JPM if he sheds a few pounds could cut it in F1"

225hpS

"datona81, can't argue with Stewart's talent and success, but gotta remember that pretty much everyone who makes it to F1 has, up to that point, won in everything they've ever driven"

All comments on this story