How many times have Jarno Trulli’s rivals cursed the man who is reputed to be Formula 1’s best qualifier.  

On numerous occasions in the past decade, the Italian has slotted midfield Jordans, Renaults and Toyotas far higher up the grid than they ought to be, before backing up the field during the race with skilfully defensive driving.

But while qualifying well was a talent in ‘refuelling era’ Formula 1 that proved invaluable for getting a good race result, it hasn’t been quite as crucial a skill in a new era of smooth, consistent driving and tyre management. However, even after a middling 2010 season against experienced Finn Heikki Kovalainen, Trulli has clearly proved to Lotus that he has the experience to help the team to the front of the grid – the long way. He gets another chance to show off his skills in 2011.