Trulli looks set to join Toyota

Trulli, who won this year's Monaco GP, said last week that he has a contract to continue racing in F1 next season.

He is almost certain to join Toyota, with the Japanese team set to announce his signing this week.

"From this evening I am part of my new team where I will begin very soon," he said after Renault's announcement.

Toyota have already signed Williams driver Ralf Schumacher for 2005, with French driver Olivier Panis set to retire at the end of the season.

Canada's 1997 world champion Jacques Villeneuve will have two days of testing at Silverstone with a view to replacing Trulli for the final three races of the season.

Trulli has become used to fighting at the front with Renault and has claimed two pole positions - including one at the last race in Belgium - and a total of 46 points this season.

But signs of discord emerged after Sunday's Italian Grand Prix.

Renault, who are bidding to retain their second place in the constructors' world championship this season, dropped to third behind BAR-Honda at Monza.

Trulli finished a disappointing tenth in Monza after a ninth in the previous race in Belgium after troubles with the handling.

It lead to criticism from team boss Flavio Briatore that it was difficult to conserve their second place with just one competitive car - that of Spain's Fernando Alonso.