Formula One news

Da Matta speaks out on leaving F1

F1 wasn't fun, according to dumped driver Cristiano da Matta. The Brazilian, whom Toyota replaced with Ricardo Zonta in August last year, is mulling a return to the Champ Car contest he dominated in 2002.

''I'm better at racing than politics,'' he said, referring to the nature of life in the Paddock. ''That's why I became a racing driver.''

He said of 2003 and early 2004: ''It was quite a hard time for me. We didn't improve like I thought we should, but I feel like I'm a better racing driver -- it doesn't mean I had fun though!'

Da Matta is shaping up to drive again for the Newman/Haas squad in '05, but admitted that a deal is contingent on sponsorship.

''I'm not 100% sure (at which team) I'll be driving,'' said Cristiano, ''but I'm pretty sure I'll be in a Champ Car.''

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