Trulli: Looking back, I have no regrets

In an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, former Formula 1 driver Jarno Trulli recalled his victory in Monaco in 2004…

Question: Jarno, you are the last Italian to win in Monaco. What do you remember about that day?
Jarno Trulli: They expected me to win. I was in the lead from the first practice sessions and won pole position, but winning was not easy. My teammate Fernando Alonso had the best strategy, he put me under pressure until he made a mistake. Then there was the Schumacher-Montoya accident, the safety car and the last fifteen laps where I kept Button behind me and prayed the car wouldn’t break down.

Q: What did you think after you finished?
Jarno Trulli: I enjoyed every moment of the last round and look back on my career. And I said to myself, “Finally I did it.”

Question: Could you challenge for the title that season?
Jarno Trulli: I knew the team wouldn’t bet on me. I thought I was capable of winning the title, but the team wanted Alonso to win. So I had to leave Renault for Toyota, and the following years proved me right, seeing as how it all ended with the arrival of Fisichella.

Q: Were you disappointed with Briatore’s position?
Jarno Trulli: Flavio did it, as always, his way. But he supported me, brought me to Formula 1 and I am grateful to him for that. Looking back, I have no regrets: there is no point in having the right car if the team works for your partner.

Q: What is your relationship with Alonso?
Jarno Trulli: Fights on the court are one thing, but personal relationships are another. When he was injured on his bicycle a few years ago, I called Fernando and said, “If you need anything, even if it’s just shopping at the supermarket, I’m here.”

Question: Who do you consider your strongest opponent?
Jarno Trulli: I have driven with many champions, with Schumacher, Alonso, Hakkinen and Hamilton – they are all champions.

Lewis immediately made it clear that he was capable of winning in Formula 1. In his debut season he got behind the wheel of a very fast McLaren car and demonstrated his talent. We had great fights, he didn’t win his seven titles for nothing.

Q: What other modern racers do you like?
Jarno Trulli: Since I left Formula 1, a lot has changed. I enjoy watching the performances of Leclerc, Russell, Norris and Sainz, not to mention the Verstappen phenomenon. But to judge their true potential you have to put them in the best car, and right now Red Bull is winning all the races.