French say Da Matta has Signed.

Da Matta
By Phil Giles
September 23 2002

Reported by the French broadcaster TF1, Christiano Da Matta has signed a contract with Panasonic Toyota Racing. TF1 suggests that he will be Olivier's team mate for 2003, despite no official announcement from the team themselves.

Da Matta had previously told Autosport Magazine that he wasn't interested in a drive for Toyota as the role was for him to test and not for him to be a race driver. The rumours went cold for a while but have now re-surfaced.

Helio Castroneves tested for the team last week and another Brazilian, Felipe Massa is also looking for a seat for 2003.

Toyota are known to want a Brazilian in the car and would appear to be spoiled for choice. An announcement could be made as soon as the US Grand Prix, next weekend.

Stay tuned.

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