Da Matta joins Toyota

Brazilian Cristiano da Matta has signed a two-year contract to drive for Formula One team Toyota.

The 2002 CART champion will partner Frenchman Olivier Panis in 2003 and 2004.

Da Matta, who has driven Toyota-powered cars in the American CART series since his debut in 1999, said: “I have accomplished one of my goals by winning the CART driver’s championship title.

“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 Formula One – 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.

“Though I enjoyed driving the Toyota Formula One car in May this year, I cannot wait to test the more-evolved TF102B car as a F1 driver later this month.”