Formula One: Trulli set for Renault switch

Jordan driver Jarno Trulli will replace Giancarlo Fisichella at Benetton next season.

The Italian has a long-standing contract with the team which will become Renault next season.

He has been drafted in to replace Fisichella, who moved to Jordan on Wednesday.

Trulli hopes the move will enable him to compete with Formula One's top teams and claims he is "honoured" by Benetton's faith in him.

He said: "I feel very happy and honoured that a big team with a winning history and an innovative technical programme has chosen to invest in me.

"With Renault, I know I will be rapidly able to compete among the best and I sincerely hope to contribute to their ultimate success."

Benetton managing director Flavio Briatore is convinced Trulli's massive potential has not yet been fully realised.

"I am delighted that Jarno will be driving for us next year," he said. "We all know how motivated and competitive he is and I am sure he will be a major asset for the team.

"Jarno hasn't been able to show his full potential until now but I believe that our ambitious programme for the future will give a great boost to his career."

But Briatore singled out the departing Fisichella for his contribution to the team since his arrival in 1998.

"I would like to thank Giancarlo Fisichella for the excellent job he has done during the four years he has spent with the team. He is a fast driver and a good team player and I wish him all the best for his future."