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Da Matta Confirmed at Toyota
By: Andrew Crask
Tokyo, Japan, November 5
Although it has been common knowledge for months that CART FedEx Series champion Cristiano da Matta was likely headed to Formula 1 next season with the Toyota team, the parties involved have consistently denied that a deal was done. Until today, when Toyota finally confirmed that da Matta will partner Olivier Panis on the team next year.
The Brazilian, whose Newman/Haas Champ Car team is powered by the Japanese giant, has signed a two year contract to race in F1. Da Matta, 29, had been first tipped to make the switch ever since he impressed Toyota in his first F1 test with the team at the French circuit of Paul Ricard in May.
"I have accomplished one of my goals by winning the CART drivers championship title," he said. "I am very thankful to Carl Haas, Paul Newman and all of Newman/Haas Racing for the support, hard work and accomplishments that we have achieved together. Now I am ready for the next challenge.
"It is great to be able to join Panasonic Toyota Racing, and more importantly to further develop my already successful partnership with Toyota. To be able to combine this with driving in F1—the top motorsport series in the world—is very special to me and I look forward to the exciting and demanding challenges that lie ahead."
Toyota Motorsport chairman Tsutomu Tomita said: "I am very pleased that Cristiano is joining Panasonic Toyota Racing. He joined Toyota at the start of his career in the CART program and has shown his tremendous dedication and efforts by helping us to develop together to win the championship with Newman/Haas Racing this season.
"His long-term partnership with Toyota and his natural driving talent will prove an essential asset to us as our F1 programme enters an exciting new stage of development."
Da Matta’s announcement clears the way for Newman/Haas to clarify its own future. Bruno Junqueira has signed to join Newman/Haas’ CART team next season, but Newman/Haas also must find a replacement for Christian Fittipaldi, who is switching to NASCAR for 2003.
By: Andrew Crask
Tokyo, Japan, November 5
Although it has been common knowledge for months that CART FedEx Series champion Cristiano da Matta was likely headed to Formula 1 next season with the Toyota team, the parties involved have consistently denied that a deal was done. Until today, when Toyota finally confirmed that da Matta will partner Olivier Panis on the team next year.
The Brazilian, whose Newman/Haas Champ Car team is powered by the Japanese giant, has signed a two year contract to race in F1. Da Matta, 29, had been first tipped to make the switch ever since he impressed Toyota in his first F1 test with the team at the French circuit of Paul Ricard in May.
"I have accomplished one of my goals by winning the CART drivers championship title," he said. "I am very thankful to Carl Haas, Paul Newman and all of Newman/Haas Racing for the support, hard work and accomplishments that we have achieved together. Now I am ready for the next challenge.
"It is great to be able to join Panasonic Toyota Racing, and more importantly to further develop my already successful partnership with Toyota. To be able to combine this with driving in F1—the top motorsport series in the world—is very special to me and I look forward to the exciting and demanding challenges that lie ahead."
Toyota Motorsport chairman Tsutomu Tomita said: "I am very pleased that Cristiano is joining Panasonic Toyota Racing. He joined Toyota at the start of his career in the CART program and has shown his tremendous dedication and efforts by helping us to develop together to win the championship with Newman/Haas Racing this season.
"His long-term partnership with Toyota and his natural driving talent will prove an essential asset to us as our F1 programme enters an exciting new stage of development."
Da Matta’s announcement clears the way for Newman/Haas to clarify its own future. Bruno Junqueira has signed to join Newman/Haas’ CART team next season, but Newman/Haas also must find a replacement for Christian Fittipaldi, who is switching to NASCAR for 2003.