169 replies to this topic

[Dunc]

I can never decide whether I think he's a good or just an average driver. I've always wondered if he could have challenged Alonso if he had stayed at Renault. What do y'all think?

[Group B]

Over a a few laps, yes. Over a few races, no.

[molive]

Better than Fisichella.

[Mauseri]

Originally posted by molive
Better than Fisichella.

Trulli is inconsistently consistent and Fisichella consistently inconsistent

[BMW_F1]

Originally posted by molive
Better than Fisichella.

and about equal to Ralf but better qualifier..

[IannDC]

I think he is a good racer, just does not have the luck to be in the right place at the right time.

[jokuvaan]

How good is Jarno Trulli?

Dont know, this aint GP2....

[undersquare]

Where's that recent post analysing drivers' race laps as % of qualifying? Jarno's race laps are 3% slower compared to the average of 1.5%, is that right? Something like that.

So I think he has the physical skill but not the intense drive to dominate that they need to do 90 minutes at 99.99%.

[Jason]

Trulli didn't fare too poorly against Alonso, when the two were teammates at Renault. Certainly didn't get crushed the way Fisi did.

[IannDC]

Originally posted by undersquare
Where's that recent post analysing drivers' race laps as % of qualifying? Jarno's race laps are 3% slower compared to the average of 1.5%, is that right? Something like that.

So I think he has the physical skill but not the intense drive to dominate that they need to do 90 minutes at 99.99%.

What was Ralf's ratio in that, was it 1.5% as well?

[Jason]

Originally posted by IannDC


What was Ralf's ratio in that, was it 1.5% as well?

Actually, I'm curious about Webber!

[SirSaltire]

Originally posted by molive
Better than Fisichella.

Hmmm I am not so sure. I think Fisi shines in a poor car but does not do well in a 'good' car (strange but seems to be true). I think Trulli can be very quick in Qauli but lacks consistency in the race. Often he just seems to give up and to me his racecraft is questionable.

[Pikachu Racing]

He caught the eye when he put a Prost in the lead before engine expired. He's good and reached his potential. He wasn't championship caliber but he did drive the wheels off the car.

[MortenF1]

On a general rating I'd put him high up the list, but I've been dissapointed by his performances in the last two seasons.

[IannDC]

Originally posted by Jason

Actually, I'm curious about Webber!

I think the percentages make more sense when compared against team-mates. The car is a factor in this. Three percent in a Toyota could be better than 1 percent in a Ferrari.

[tkulla]

I rate Jarno very highly. As a qualifier he's definitely one of the best. He outqualified Frentzen in 2000 & 2001 in the Jordan, which to me is very impressive (Frentzen in the right team was top drawer). He has been disappointing at Toyota, but I think he will outclass Glock this year in what appears to be a much better car than Toyota has had to date.

[frederik-]

In a Ferrari he would do like Massa. Brilliant in qualifying, winning races from pole but have difficulties winning from the back. Still, Massa could easilly be WDC 2008.

[BMW_F1]

its like Prost said, two thirds of the drivers on the grid can win races on a Ferrari.

If luck swings their way they can even challenge or win the WDC.

[noikeee]

Very good in qualifying. A bit below average (considering the current F1 field...) in the races.

[Ghostrider]

Originally posted by molive
Better than Fisichella.

In qual probably, in races no way.

[512 TR]

Jarno is a dirty and dangerous driver. I've said it in the past and I'll say it again. The sooner he leaves F1, the better! His time is up. He won one race now it's time to leave. Go home!

[Mauseri]

Originally posted by Ghostrider
In qual probably, in races no way.

Fisichella is faster in races maybe but Jarno holds it better on the grey stuff. If a car is hard to drive Fisi keep fighting... Jarno just cruises. In a good car like Ferrari I think Jarno would be good. Very good.

[GiancarloF1]

Originally posted by molive
Better than Fisichella.

[GiancarloF1]

Originally posted by micra_k10

Fisichella is faster in races maybe but Jarno holds it better on the grey stuff. If a car is hard to drive Fisi keep fighting... Jarno just cruises. In a good car like Ferrari I think Jarno would be good. Very good.

Very good for a few laps, then fading away. That's why he barely managed to win a race in his carreer. Fisi didn't show too much in Renault, but when the car was good, and the team relied on him (Alonso had problems), he delivered in 2 out of 3.

This is really a no-contest. I'm not even sure Trulli can beat Fisi over a season series of qualifyings.

[GiancarloF1]

Originally posted by 512 TR
Jarno is a dirty and dangerous driver. I've said it in the past and I'll say it again. The sooner he leaves F1, the better! His time is up. He won one race now it's time to leave. Go home!

I have to agree. Trulli is one of the worst racers of the grid, he is on the track to spoil the others' fun. He made terrible mistakes in his whole carreer and some of them were really embarassing. While Fisi has the ability to do embarassing mistakes as well, he consistently shows brilliances in most races. Just look at the chinese GP from last year, and how he overtook Rosberg and Kovalainen in the same corner. Amazing stuff, which were never shown by Trulli. Sorry fellas, this is my opinion.

[Phucaigh]

To answer the original question, this is the driver that was telling Toyota to hire Alonso as he wanted him for his team mate. Alonso is an exceptional talent, as team mates each won 1 race and roughly even with qualifying.
2005 he was unlucky Alonso had a better car with Renault or he could have done better than the two second places for Toyota.
Trulli was replaced at Renault for a driver who never really challenged Alonso in the same way.

[GiancarloF1]

Originally posted by Phucaigh
To answer the original question, this is the driver that was telling Toyota to hire Alonso as he wanted him for his team mate. Alonso is an exceptional talent, as team mates each won 1 race and roughly even with qualifying.
2005 he was unlucky Alonso had a better car with Renault or he could have done better than the two second places for Toyota.
Trulli was replaced at Renault for a driver who never really challenged Alonso in the same way.

And what does your memory tell about the Trulli-Fisi swap in 2002? If I remember correctly Trulli barely outscore Fisi in a much superior car (9-8), not to mention how Fisi and Trulli managed to do against Button. These crossover mathematics rarely worked. 2004 was a year with an underperforming Alonso, and 2005 was another year with a flourish performance by him.

[noikeee]

Originally posted by GiancarloF1
Just look at the chinese GP from last year, and how he overtook Rosberg and Kovalainen in the same corner. Amazing stuff, which were never shown by Trulli. Sorry fellas, this is my opinion.

While that was a nice move, and it's true Nico and Kova were completely "pwned" by Fisi there, to me it looked more like two drivers being too enthusiastic and making a mistake rather than one driver making something brilliant.

And funnily enough, my favourite pass from last year was by Trulli on Kovalainen. On the Bahrain GP.

[GiancarloF1]

Originally posted by paranoik0


While that was a nice move, and it's true Nico and Kova were completely "pwned" by Fisi there, to me it looked more like two drivers being too enthusiastic and making a mistake rather than one driver making something brilliant.

And funnily enough, my favourite pass from last year was by Trulli on Kovalainen. On the Bahrain GP.

Well, I remember some stunning moments from last year, from several drivers, but this one doesn't pop to my mind now. :

[KWSN - DSM]

Trulli is a great qualifier, he has an ability like few in the history of F1 to get the one lap right race after race, on pure qualifying talent I think that he is arguably the best since Senna.

Trulli is a mediocre racer at best, he has no racecraft he has no racing talent to speak of.

F1 is about racing, and he is there fore not a good F1 driver, he never was.

[Atreiu]

He's part of that huge bunch of pilots who may qualify or race well once in a while, but who'll never have a full solid season or be able to lead a team.

[molive]

Originally posted by Ghostrider
In qual probably, in races no way.

You know that comment was made specially for you, dontcha.


As for Jarno, obviously got a bad rep for being good at qualies and bad in races (tho, he still better than Fisico at that, ihmo). Thing is, neither him nor Fisico managed a great career, despite having both enjoyed many good chances.

[molive]

Originally posted by GiancarloF1

A witty newcomer, great!

[molive]

Here's an idea: Ferrari should start a junior team and pit Fisi x Jarno for one year, to settle this matter properly!

[rearwheelskid00]

Jarno is a dirty and dangerous driver. I've said it in the past and I'll say it again.

I am bemused that you believe Trulli is dangerous. Are you able to elaborate further?
I think Trulli is better than Heidfeld.

[KWSN - DSM]

Originally posted by rearwheelskid00

I am bemused that you believe Trulli is dangerous. Are you able to elaborate further?
I think Trulli is better than Heidfeld.

Trulli who most of his career have been beaten by his teammate, better than Heidfeld who most of his career have been better than his teammate??

Funky.

But an opinion.

[Durant]

Originally posted by Jason
Trulli didn't fare too poorly against Alonso, when the two were teammates at Renault. Certainly didn't get crushed the way Fisi did.

His qualifying helped him look a little better than Fisi, but he pretty much did get crushed for 1.5 seasons of their time together against an inexperienced Alonso. He was very good in the one lap qualifying but with todays qualifying hes nothing extraordinary. Hes a good driver overall, as good as anyone other than the top few in the sport.

[MONTOYASPEED]

Originally posted by micra_k10
Trulli is inconsistently consistent and Fisichella consistently inconsistent

Sums it up nicely.

[Youichi]

Originally posted by KWSN - DSM
Trulli is a great qualifier, he has an ability like few in the history of F1 to get the one lap right race after race, on pure qualifying talent I think that he is arguably the best since Senna.

Trulli is a mediocre racer at best, he has no racecraft he has no racing talent to speak of.

F1 is about racing, and he is there fore not a good F1 driver, he never was.

If you think Trulli "never was" go and watch the 2003 Italian GP, he had a car problem before the start, and still finished 5th.

I would agree that he doesn't race that way every week though...

[juary]

Originally posted by molive
Better than Fisichella.

No way...

Jarno is a very good qualifier but inconsistent in race.

Don't forget that he perform quite well against Alonso, but in 2002 Button slightly beaten him....

the same way as Fisi beaten Massa...did you remember molive?

[runggald]

Originally posted by molive
Better than Fisichella.

If Trulli is better than Fisichella then he must be about 100 times better than Massa... (see 2004)

[Phucaigh]

Some examples that the man is a good racer, an end to the myth he always goes backward in races, I could not fit them all in as there were too many.

Toyota: 5th to 3rd Spain 2005, 22nd to 4th United States 2006, 20th to 7th in 2006 in Germany, 9th to 7th in Bahrain 2007 to beat Fisichella who had the faster car, 11th to 7th Italy 2006, 22th to 11th Britain 2006.

Renault: 7th to 4th Monaco 2002, 10th to 6th Canada 2002, 11th to 4th Italy 2002, 8th to 5th United States, 12th to 5th Australia 2003, 10th to 4th United States 2003, 20th to 5th Japan 2003, 7th to 4th Bahrain 2004, 8th to 5th Malaysia 2004, 9th to 5th San Marino 2004, 20th to 4th United States 2004.

Jordan: 12th to 4th Brazil 2000, 11th to 6th Britain 2000, 9th to 6th France 2000, 7th to 5th Brazil 2001, 6th to 4th Spain 2001, 8th to 4th United States 2001

Prost: 10th to 2nd Nurburgring 1999, 9th to 6th Spain 1999, 13th to 6th Belgium 1998, 11th to 4th Germany 1997.

Minardi: 17th to 9th on his debut in Australia 1997, 17th to 12th Brazil 1997, 18th to 9th Argentina 1997.

[former champ]

He's overrated, even over 1 lap. I don't rate him in the top 3 or 4 over a qualy lap. Probably next best but that's certainly not THE best. He lacks that racers edge to become anything more than he is already, maybe too nice also?

Just has never struck me as Champion calibre.

[runggald]

Originally posted by GiancarloF1


Just look at the chinese GP from last year, and how he overtook Rosberg and Kovalainen in the same corner. Amazing stuff, which were never shown by Trulli. Sorry fellas, this is my opinion.

Not only that, but on that day in China Fisi overtook Button, Trulli, Kova, Coulthard, the incredible "double pass" on Rosberg and Kova (again), Wurz, Liuzzi and set some fastest laps. It was Fisi's best drive in many a year, but as usual the team screwed him with a crazy 1-then-switch-to-2-stop stategy after he'd already done more than 50% of the race in his first stint!

P.S. Trulli IS very good in qualifying and can also have good races when the "tyres are great", but then again that rarely happens so he has to try and hang on which means he invariably slips back. Fisi almost always goes the other way in races.

[molive]

Originally posted by runggald


If Trulli is better than Fisichella then he must be about 100 times better than Massa... (see 2004)

He "may" be, but, obviously, Ferrari doenst seem to think so.;)

[molive]

Originally posted by Phucaigh
Some examples that the man is a good racer, an end to the myth he always goes backward in races, I could not fit them all in as there were too many.

Toyota: 5th to 3rd Spain 2005, 22nd to 4th United States 2006, 20th to 7th in 2006 in Germany, 9th to 7th in Bahrain 2007 to beat Fisichella who had the faster car, 11th to 7th Italy 2006, 22th to 11th Britain 2006.

Renault: 7th to 4th Monaco 2002, 10th to 6th Canada 2002, 11th to 4th Italy 2002, 8th to 5th United States, 12th to 5th Australia 2003, 10th to 4th United States 2003, 20th to 5th Japan 2003, 7th to 4th Bahrain 2004, 8th to 5th Malaysia 2004, 9th to 5th San Marino 2004, 20th to 4th United States 2004.

Jordan: 12th to 4th Brazil 2000, 11th to 6th Britain 2000, 9th to 6th France 2000, 7th to 5th Brazil 2001, 6th to 4th Spain 2001, 8th to 4th United States 2001

Prost: 10th to 2nd Nurburgring 1999, 9th to 6th Spain 1999, 13th to 6th Belgium 1998, 11th to 4th Germany 1997.

Minardi: 17th to 9th on his debut in Australia 1997, 17th to 12th Brazil 1997, 18th to 9th Argentina 1997.

Thank you! That was my recollection of Jarno, but too damm busy to go searching for stats.

[*MJC1*]

I have thought long and hard about this and for me he is no more than a mid-grid racer. More often an obstacle or hinderance, the term Trulli Train could not be more accurate.

I admit he has had the odd great quali lap but in recent races his foray up into the sharp end of the grid has been down to a light car or twist of luck.

[juary]

Originally posted by Phucaigh
Some examples that the man is a good racer, an end to the myth he always goes backward in races, I could not fit them all in as there were too many.

Toyota: 5th to 3rd Spain 2005, 22nd to 4th United States 2006, 20th to 7th in 2006 in Germany, 9th to 7th in Bahrain 2007 to beat Fisichella who had the faster car, 11th to 7th Italy 2006, 22th to 11th Britain 2006.

Renault: 7th to 4th Monaco 2002, 10th to 6th Canada 2002, 11th to 4th Italy 2002, 8th to 5th United States, 12th to 5th Australia 2003, 10th to 4th United States 2003, 20th to 5th Japan 2003, 7th to 4th Bahrain 2004, 8th to 5th Malaysia 2004, 9th to 5th San Marino 2004, 20th to 4th United States 2004.

Jordan: 12th to 4th Brazil 2000, 11th to 6th Britain 2000, 9th to 6th France 2000, 7th to 5th Brazil 2001, 6th to 4th Spain 2001, 8th to 4th United States 2001

Prost: 10th to 2nd Nurburgring 1999, 9th to 6th Spain 1999, 13th to 6th Belgium 1998, 11th to 4th Germany 1997.

Minardi: 17th to 9th on his debut in Australia 1997, 17th to 12th Brazil 1997, 18th to 9th Argentina 1997.

You confirm that....except for the 2004 (probably it's best season) he performed well also in race pace just in some races (5/6 in comparison wiht the whole season)= INCONSISTENT

[Frank Booth]

He is a solid mid pack driver nothing more nothing less. He also seems like a pretty interesting guy off track.

[Rinehart]

Originally posted by Pikachu Racing
He caught the eye when he put a Prost in the lead before engine expired. He's good and reached his potential. He wasn't championship caliber but he did drive the wheels off the car.

He qualified on the front row because of rain during qualifying, I don't think Trullis career should be measured around one freak event.

In simple terms if a driver stands out as a quick qualifier (as Trulli does), they must, by definition, have a high level of skill, or car control, particularly at the limit. But since they dish out points on Sunday afternoons, not Saturdays, this is all very meaningless unless their race pace is also top drawer. And for Trulli it isn't. He goes missing. I've rarely seen him drive the wheels off a car, battle hard to fight for a position or defend one. Its as if he values finishing to highly against the need to apply measured aggression to fight for a better result. For that reason, I do not rate Trulli, since it seems to be a waste of talent.