The decision by Caterham to drop Jarno Trulli in favour of Vitaly Petrov means that for the first time since 1970 there will not be an Italian on the grid for the season opener. However, over at GP3...

While many felt it was only a matter of time before Trulli was dropped, the fact that he was handed a contract extension over the weekend of the (2011) Italian Grand Prix signalled that Tony Fernandes still had faith in the Italian veteran.

In recent weeks there has been constant speculation regarding the Italian, not helped by the fact he only got one day in the team's new car at Jerez. Nonetheless, many were surprised by Friday's announcement that he had been dropped in favour of Petrov.

This was not a deal done on the spur of the moment, and the fact that it was Petrov, who is known to carry a considerable sponsorship dowry around with him, only fuels the other ongoing rumours regarding the team's finances.

The move also means that when the cars line up on the grid in Melbourne, for the first time since South Africa in 1970, there will not be an Italian on the grid for the season opener. The situation was rectified in Belgium when Ferrari entered a second car for Ignazio Giunti, the young Italian, who was to die in a freak Sports Car accident just seven months later, partnering regular driver Jacky Ickx.

While Italians can take comfort from the fact that they are represented by the most iconic team in the sport, the lack of driver representation is hugely disappointing for a country synonymous with motor racing.

"Formula One without Italian drivers is a shame," Trulli told Italy's Ansa news agency. However, the veteran is under no illusion where the blame lies. "I'm sorry but the problem is not mine: others must take responsibility for this impoverishment, for a situation that in fact did not start yesterday and that people have not woken up to.

"In Italy there's no system to help drivers reach a high level, so it's normal that we reach a situation like this. There are talents, but if nobody supports them there's no hope."

In 2009, following Felipe Massa's horrendous incident in Hungary, test driver Luca Badoer was drafted in to replace the injured Brazilian. Subsequently, Giancarlo Fisichella was borrowed from Force India for the final five races of the season.

In 1994, Nicola Larini replaced Jean Alesi in two races, the Italian having previously driven for Ferrari in 1992 when he was drafted in to replace countryman Ivan Capelli, the last Italian to form part of the regular line-up for the Maranello outfit. Prior to that, in terms of full time Italian drivers for the legendary marque, one has to go back to the late (great) Michele Alboreto, who was with the team from 1984 to 1988.

"I am very sad that, after so many years there will not be an Italian driver in the Formula One world championship," said Stefano Domenicali, according to Reuters. "It's a difficult moment for our sport, partly for external reasons."

The Maranello outfit, like several of its rivals, has a programme for young drivers, however, its current crop are a Mexican (Sergio Perez) and a Frenchman (Jules Bianchi).

However, there is a tine glimmer of hope, yesterday, Italy's Trident Racing announced the latest addition to its GP3 team, 18-year-old Vicky Piria (pictured) from Milan.

Somehow, we have a feeling that it won't just be Italians cheering on the youngster this season.