Jarno Trulli says he was prepared for his exit from Caterham, despite assurances his seat was safe after signing a contract for the 2012 season.
It was announced on Friday that the Italian would be replaced by Vitaly Petrov, marking the end of his Formula 1 career.
Trulli, whilst disappointed, found the positives in the move and expressed hope that Petrov’s additional funding would secure the future of the outfit in which he has been an employee since its inception in 2010.
“Personally I’m not displeased: I was prepared for a possible divorce from Caterham, in the knowledge that the difficult economic situation would have pushed the team to find an adequately-supported driver,” Trulli is quoted as saying by the Ansa news agency.
“Small teams have certain needs and contracts are clear. I hope that, with Petrov’s contribution, all the people who work there can have a more serene future.”
The 37-year-old’s exit marks the first time since 1970 in which an Italian won’t be on the grid, something he blames on a lack of support for young drivers in Italy.
“Formula 1 without Italian drivers is a shame. I’m sorry but the problem is not mine, others must take responsibility for this impoverishment, for a situation that after all did not begin yesterday, and over which no action has been taken.
“In Italy there’s no system that helps drivers emerge at high level, so it’s normal it ends up in situations like this. There are talents, but without anyone’s support they are hopeless,” he added.
