FE: Trulli back after 'breach of contract'

Ex-Formula 1 driver Jarno Trulli will race for his eponymous Formula E team in Malaysia's Putrajaya ePrix in place of Salvador Duran.

Trulli had withdrawn from driving duties for this season, with Duran signed to partner Vitantonio Liuzzi at the Swiss team. The Motomatica JT-01 failed to complete a timed lap in pre-season testing and its problems continued at the opening round in Beijing where a customs issue prevent the team from competing. Despite that being resolved for round two, Trulli has now been drafted in for Duran.

"Salvador was in breach of contract," said the 41-year-old Trulli. "It was a last-minute call – we had to replace him here and nobody else was around"

Duran has traveled to Putrajaya and is understood to be present with the team throughout the weekend. His participation in the Punta del Este round in December, and other rounds in the future, is unclear.

"We hope so," Trulli said when asked if Duran would return. "We like Salvador; he is a nice person."

Trulli, who achieved a best result of fourth across the inaugural Formula E season, admitted his expectations for the team in Malaysia were limited to gaining crucial mileage.

"I think we need to do all the checks and make sure everything is working on the powertrain," he said. "We made some progress with Motomatica, they solved some problems from and have run all the engine maps on the dyno so it should be fine."

Originally on Autosport.com