Trulli all set for Toyota exit

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Toyota F1 president John Howett has dropped another hint that Jarno Trulli's days at the team are numbered.

Trulli joined Toyota in 2005, however, almost five full seasons down the line and he has yet to win a grand prix.

And with Toyota's F1 future on the line, the team is desperate to produce the results that will convince company bosses in Japan to carry on in the sport.

But should Toyota continue, which Howett believes they will, it does not appear as if Trulli is part of their future plans.

"You have to look over five years," said Howett. "I don't wish to be tough but we had a more competitive position leading the start of Spa, and we didn't deliver.

"So I think you have to respect the fact - and I am not trying to knock Jarno, because he is a great person and what he does for the earthquake victims... there are so many strong qualities.

"But still unfortunately as a team this sport is intensely competitive and we have to find the best opportunity to win."

The Italian, though, did finish on the podium at the previous race in Japan, a feat that Howett admits will help secure Toyota's future at least.

"It always helps, doesn't it? But I can't say that it is really the fundamental issue," he added.

"I think it is still all down to Toyota's overall profit and loss situation and the image of Formula 1 and whether we can get away from the rather sordid side that we've had recently to a much more dynamic future looking at all the great things that this sport really has.

"Talking to my colleagues, it's a similar problem everywhere. That's the biggest challenge we face."