NOVEMBER 7, 2002

Junqueira takes da Matta's seat

Ex-Williams test driver Bruno Junqueira will take Cristiano da Matta's seat at Newman-Haas next year in the US-based CART series the team has confirmed.

Ex-Williams test driver Bruno Junqueira will take Cristiano da Matta's seat at Newman-Haas next year in the US-based CART series the team has confirmed. With da Matta jumping from CART to F1 with Toyota and Christian Fittipaldi making the jump to NASCAR, Newman-Haas was left with two vacant seats for the 2003 season, one of which they will fill with Junqueira.

The 25 year old Brazilian will make the switch from Ganassi Racing after winning two rounds of the CART series in 2002 in Japan and Denver, and finishing second in the series standings to da Matta.

"I'm happy to join Newman-Haas," said Junqueira. "They have been the team to beat all season long and they have worked hard to win the championship. They have won many races and four championships over the years and they are one of the most experienced teams."