Trulli disappointing

The 33-year-old Italian began the year with hopes of overturning a poor 2006 and re-discovering the form of 12 months earlier, when he took three podium finishes and a pole position.

But instead he has endured his worst season for seven years, scoring points on only three occasions and lying 13th in the championship.

"Well, it hasn't been a good season for us and obviously we are disappointed by our results," Trulli said. "It's been difficult and we haven't met our expectations, but I hope we can put that behind us and move forward again."

The former Monaco Grand Prix winner said the challenge for next season, which will be his fourth with the Japanese team, was to develop their car faster and be in a better position right from the start of the season, than in years gone by.

"The challenge is how quickly we can develop the car," he added. "Obviously there is quite a lot that we have to gain compared to our competitors if we want to be at the front.

"And clearly the others will make steps forward as well, so we have work to do. I have given all of my feedback in our discussions about next year's car, trying to give as much input as possible."