Da Matta returns to Champ Cars

Ex-Formula One driver Cristiano da Matta has secured a return to Champ Cars after being axed by Toyota.

The Brazilian saw his Formula One career grind to a halt midway through a disappointing second season last year and has now decided to return to the series where he made his name.

Da Matta won the Champ Car title in 2002 to earn a dream move to Toyota in Formula One and he will return to the United States-based series this season, with PKV Racing.

He said: “I am very excited to be back in Champ Car. This is a series that I have raced in the past and had not only good results, but lots of fun.

“It was an easy decision to come back to America after racing over in Europe for the past two years in Formula One.

“I am excited to be associated with PKV Racing. They are a good team and their plans for the up coming season are strong. They have everything we need to run well and fight for the championship.”

Da Matta’s move to PKV dashes the hopes of another Formula One refugee, Bjorn Wirdheim.

The Swede, who won the Formula 3000 championship in 2003 before a season testing for Jaguar last year, was all set to join the team prior to da Matta’s decision to return.