Jarno Trulli: “I can't remember how long it's been since an engine broke in F1”

Jarno Trulli wrote that the reliability record shown by Formula One cars is reducing enthusiasm in the sport. In fact, all twenty-four cars crossed the finish line in Valencia for the fourth time in F1 history.

“In Valencia we broke another unthinkable record: all 24 cars that started reached the finish line, no breakdowns, no retirements, no accidents” wrote Trulli in Repubblica.

“Karthikeyan (HRT) was the first driver in F1 history to finish 24th. Whether it is a positive or negative record depends a lot on the rider and his ambitions. Maybe I wouldn't like it."

The Italian also added that perfect reliability in F1 is taking the human factor out of the sport.

“Be that as it may, this somewhat paradoxical record carries with it a precise meaning: the Valencia race also elected, in my opinion, another winner, in addition to the usual Vettel. And this winner is technology.”

“After having won the game against the human element (less and less important in F1) in recent years, he ended up winning the slightly more philosophical one too, against the unexpected and, more generally, against the unpredictable. Which in our world translates into “mechanical failure”.

“Ten-fifteen years ago, when I started racing, a driver knew how a race started but didn't know how he would finish it. On the contrary. He didn't even know if he would finish her. Today, however, reliability has become ordinary: cars have four wheels and are reliable. I no longer remember how long it's been since an engine broke in an F1 race.”

The Team Lotus driver concludes that this has a negative effect on F1.

“This implies two things: the first is a significant reduction in the chances for small teams to reach the points. The second is a further loss of charm on the part of F1. And it is no coincidence that the Valencia race was also the most boring of the year.”

Alessandra Leoni