Hours ahead of his home Grand Prix, Jarno Trulli has been confirmed at Lotus for another season alongside Heikki Kovalainen.

Trulli was first confirmed alongside Kovalainen in late 2009 following the withdrawal of Toyota and has played an integral role in the development of the team from its entry into the sport in 2010 to its current position.

"We are all delighted that we have been able to reach an agreement to keep Jarno on board for at least one more year with our team," said Tony Fernandes. "He has shown in qualifying in Monza just how much pace he has and how he can wring every last drop of performance out of his car and since day one with us he has brought a level of professionalism, insight and raw speed to our team that has helped accelerate our development on and off track. Today's announcement will give us the benefit of his experience and knowledge into 2012, another very important year in the growth of our team."

"I am very pleased that we have been able to confirm today that my contract with Team Lotus has been extended into 2012," added Trulli. "The challenge I first accepted when I joined the team is becoming more exciting every day, and I am very proud that I can keep helping the team take steps forward for at least another year. I would like to thank Tony, Kamarudin and Nasa for the chance to keep working with them, Riad, Mike and the whole team and I am looking forward to the challenges that lay ahead."