Team Lotus confirms Trulli for 2012

Jarno Trulli is staying with Team Lotus in 2012, the Tony Fernandes-led outfit announced on Sunday morning.

Ahead of the 37-year-old’s 15th home race at Monza, a media statement said Italian Trulli will race a third consecutive season with Team Lotus next year.

"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," said boss and owner Fernandes.

Trulli made his debut as a 22-year-old with Minardi in 1997, and has also driven for Jordan, Renault and Toyota.

His sole grand prix win was the Monaco grand prix of 2004.

Tony Fernandes: "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."

Jarno Trulli: "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."