NOVEMBER 1, 2002

Da Matta's Toyota deal finalized?

BBC Sports Online is reporting that the rumored deal for Toyota to bring CART Champion Cristiano da Matta to F1 in 2003 has been finalized. According to the British website, Toyota bought da Matta out of his contract with the Newman-Haas team, who is supplied with Toyota engines, in order for the deal to take place.

Talks were confirmed between the Japanese carmaker and the 29 year old Brazilian last week regarding the drive, but there has been no announcement as of yet.