By role
March 4 2004

Italian F1 driver Jarno Trulli is all ready to go at the upcoming Australian Grand Prix. The Italian has been testing hard so far in advance of the season and is looking forward to a track and a city that he likes quite a lot. "Melbourne is always a special race because it marks the start of a new season, and we all arrive with big hopes for the year ahead. We also arrive early to adjust to the time difference relative to Europe, meaning we get to spend time in the city, and do some training outdoors. The atmosphere is fantastic too: the organisers do a great job welcoming us. Personally, I will be attending a karting event with the Australian Trulli Karting Drivers in Geelong on Tuesday: it is always fun meeting young drivers, and seeing their enthusiasm." He said.

Trulli is not afraid of the ambitious goals set by the team:

"The team management decide our objectives, and they didn't get them wrong in the past two years. But from a driver's point of view, we push no matter what: unless we our giving maximum effort, there is no point being there. The objectives for the year don't change that in any way."

However he is not yet sure of the competitivenes of his car until he sees it race against the others:

"Talking about performance before getting to Melbourne is pointless: we don't know exactly how fast our rivals are and, until we do, how can we say? So far, we know that the R24 is quick in all circumstances, and the engine is performing well. I enjoy the circuit at Albert Park, especially the quick chicane at Turns 11 and 12, and the car will be good there. Every driver dreams of starting the season with a win, and maybe this time, we will be closer than ever before. But like everybody else, I'm looking forward to Sunday and finding out for sure!"