Wednesday February 2nd, 2005

Brazilian Cristiano da Matta will return to the Champ Cars World Series after signing a deal with the PKV Racing team.

Da Matta, the 2002 series champion, left Formula One before the end of last season, being replaced at Toyota when there was still six races remaining. The 31-year old Brazilian had made his Grand Prix debut with the Japanese squad in 2003.

"Coming back to the Champ Car World Series was an easy decision for me," da Matta said. "From a racing standpoint it is the most competitive series in the world and one that puts a premium on the driver's ability. The decision to join PKV Racing was not a difficult one.

"I really only talked to three teams and in the end the best opportunity for me was at PKV Racing."

Da Matta failed to shine in Formula One, scoring only three points in 2004 and 10 in 2003. In 2005 he will drive alongside former Champ Cars champion Jimmy Vasser.

Published at 11:10:04 GMT

Picked from the Bunch:	<<  Previous  |  Feb Index  |  The Grapevine |  Next  >>
(03-11-2005): Australian GP Paddock Gossip (03-09-2005): Greece Finds Site for Formula One Track (03-09-2005): Red Bull Set to Get Honda Engines in 2006 (03-08-2005): Schumacher in Line for Sporting Oscars (03-07-2005): Daily Grapevine Sunday Analysis - Australia

© 1995-2005 Kaizar.Com, Inc. Copyright & Terms