Trulli quick in testing

Italy’s Jarno Trulli, given a welcome boost by team chief Flavio Briatore this week, clocked the fastest time in private testing for the European Grand Prix at the Nurburgring in Germany.

Trulli, told by Briatore that his job is safe despite being overshadowed by his more inexperienced team-mate Fernando Alonso, finished over 0.2 secs ahead of the chasing pack.

The former Jordan driver went top late in the two hour session which is restricted to the four teams that agreed to limit their testing during the season to get extra track time on race weekends.

Alonso, who is third in the drivers’ standings after a stunning second season in Formula One so far, was second fastest with Renault’s reserve driver Allan McNish back in sixth spot over 1.8 secs down on Trulli.

Jaguar’s Antonio Pizzonia was third fastest while Ralph Firman took fourth place for Jordan-Ford as the Norfolk-based rookie racer began the process of learning another new circuit.

Australian Mark Webber was fifth in the other Jaguar with Jordan’s Giancarlo Fisichella seventh while the Minardi’s of Dutchman Jos Verstappen – who competes in his 100th grand prix on Sunday – and Justin Wilson were eighth and ninth respectively.