devilmaster
03-10-05, 01:18 PM
http://www.tsn.ca/auto_racing/news_story.asp?ID=117836&hubName=auto_racing
Da Matta: Toyota 'completely lost'
TSN.ca Staff
3/10/2005
Cristiano da Matta says Toyota's Formula One team are "completely lost" and the individuals running the team are "sensitive and insecure".
Da Matta, who is returning to Champ Car racing after two less than fulfilling seasons in Formula One, held nothing back on his former squad in an interview with the Brazilian newspaper, Diario de S. Paulo.
"I didn't get the opportunity I deserved, but I was in F1 for two years, and I got there by my own merits, not by buying my way in as many drivers do these days," said da Matta, who was released by the team midway through last season.
Da Matta says he did not fit in "politically" with the team.
"I have always spoken my mind everywhere that I've raced, and I'm used to pointing out a car's weaknesses so the team can work on improving it," said the diminutive driver known affectionately as 'shorty'. "But at Toyota, whenever I said the car understeered, people got upset... Everybody was sensitive and insecure."
Da Matta added that he was offered a chance to drive for Chip Ganassi's Indy Racing League team but elected to sign with Kevin Kalkhoven's PKV Racing team which includes former series champion Jimmy Vasser.
"I don't find the IRL as attractive as Champ Car - I prefer a majority of road courses, not ovals."
"Champ Car hit rock bottom in 2003, but improved a lot last year and I believe it will get even better," said da Matta.
Da Matta: Toyota 'completely lost'
TSN.ca Staff
3/10/2005
Cristiano da Matta says Toyota's Formula One team are "completely lost" and the individuals running the team are "sensitive and insecure".
Da Matta, who is returning to Champ Car racing after two less than fulfilling seasons in Formula One, held nothing back on his former squad in an interview with the Brazilian newspaper, Diario de S. Paulo.
"I didn't get the opportunity I deserved, but I was in F1 for two years, and I got there by my own merits, not by buying my way in as many drivers do these days," said da Matta, who was released by the team midway through last season.
Da Matta says he did not fit in "politically" with the team.
"I have always spoken my mind everywhere that I've raced, and I'm used to pointing out a car's weaknesses so the team can work on improving it," said the diminutive driver known affectionately as 'shorty'. "But at Toyota, whenever I said the car understeered, people got upset... Everybody was sensitive and insecure."
Da Matta added that he was offered a chance to drive for Chip Ganassi's Indy Racing League team but elected to sign with Kevin Kalkhoven's PKV Racing team which includes former series champion Jimmy Vasser.
"I don't find the IRL as attractive as Champ Car - I prefer a majority of road courses, not ovals."
"Champ Car hit rock bottom in 2003, but improved a lot last year and I believe it will get even better," said da Matta.