Axed Lotus Renault driver Jarno Trulli has said that Italy is to blame for not having any drivers competing in the Formula 1 this season.
The 37-year-old was replaced by Russia's Vitaly Petrov this week, meaning it is the first time Italy has not been represented on the grid since 1973.
"Formula One without Italian drivers is a shame," Trulli told his native Ansa news agency.
"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."
Trulli joined Lotus Renault in 2010, joining Finland's Heikki Kovalianen.
