Toyota's da Matta optimistic and ready for 2003

Panis and da Matta
By Site Staff (06/03/03)
March 6 2003

A lot has been said about Toyota's decision to give a race seat to CART champion Cristiano da Matta. In Autosport magazine this week the Brazilian has admitted that F1 is tough, but he is ready, and has some challenging goals.

Just before Christmas ex-Toyota driver Mika Salo, in a slamming condemnation of the team, panned Cristiano's test times and expressed a wish to see the team do badly this year. So far, the performance of the new TF103 would suggest that Toyota are in for a strong year and the team's test programme has been specifically structured to give da Matta the maximum amount of track exposure as possible. Despite doing well during his climatisation with the team, da Matta's performance and talents are still doubted by a number of media outlets.

Speaking to this weeks issue of Autosport, da Matta has admitted that F1 is a difficult hill to climb but is determined to put in the maximum to do well. "I knew there was a lot to learn, but maybe I didn't realise how much. I'm still optimistic about my prospects for this year, but I don't underestimate the challenge that lies ahead," he has been quoted as saying.

"It will be a tough year, but I think I'm ready for it."

Like team mate Olivier Panis, Cristiano has praised the new Toyota challenger. The confidence he has gained from the new machine, which Panis believes can challenge the top 3, has created some tough benchmarks for the Brazilian at this weekend's Australian Grand Prix. How he will feel if he doesn't achieve them after this weekend will be an interesting psychological struggle for the rookie.

"I expect to have done 7000km in an F1 car before Melbourne but a good part of that has been in wet weather and also, and 70% of it was done with the old and the interim car. With the TF103, the car I'll be racing with, I haven't done as much testing as I would have liked, but I think I have done enough to perform well in Melbourne.

"The TF103 seems to be pretty competitive relative to the other new cars, and my goal is to qualify inside the top 10 and then finish in the points. It I achieve that I will be pleased with me first Grand Prix."

TotallyToyota will be watching his progress this weekend with interest.