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F1 too expensive for young drivers - Trulli

Jarno Trulli thinks F1 is too expensive for talented young drivers © Getty Images

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Jarno Trulli believes the route to Formula One is becoming too expensive for many of motorsport's young and talented drivers.

For the coming season, the likes of Nico Hulkenberg and Nick Heidfeld are facing the prospect of sitting on the sidelines, as big-name teams including Williams and Sauber opt for pay drivers instead. Trulli, one of the most experienced drivers on the grid, thinks the situation could have knock-on effects for the next generation of F1 drivers.

"Today it is so difficult for young drivers," he told Auto Motor und Sport. "Money is playing too big a role and the lower series like Formula 3 are too expensive. I couldn't repeat my own career these days."

The 36-year-old has raced for big teams including Renault and Toyota, but in 2010 joined Team Lotus at the back of the grid. He admitted it had been a tough transition.

"It was not a good season," said Trulli. "It was a bit frustrating but it's part of the business. I have accepted it as a transitional season.

"I didn't have what I needed for my driving style, so it made the task doubly difficult. I need a stiff car that gives me good feedback, but from the first test it was clear that I wouldn't have that."

He admitted that it was important for Team Lotus to close the gap to F1's established teams as quickly as possible.

"In the end we are all in the same race and the incumbents should respect those who are just beginning," he added. "On the other hand it is true that four seconds behind is too much. Now we are a year further ahead and we need a big aero step and a lighter and stiffer car. There is an awful lot to do and if we can do it, then we can fight with the back of the midfield."

However, Trulli's targets are still set very high.

"I must still have the skills that make some people keep believing in me, but just being here is not what I want, which is winning races and the title," he said.

However, he acknowledged how difficult Team Lotus' task is.

"I raced for Toyota, with great resources and unlimited possibilities, but they never achieved what they wanted to," he noted.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.