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Brazilian Racing News: Andre Ribiero Comments on Contract with Penske

15 October 1997

The Brazilian Andre Ribeiro, who signed a 3-years contract with Roger
Penske, said that this is the best moment of his life as a racing
driver.

"I had a contract for next year with Tasman. One of the conditions was
that my results during '97 should give me at least 7th place in the
championship, which didn't happen, so I was free, as was Tasman.  I
hadn't had this idea to change teams until Fontana, but there I had a
chat with Forsythe and Green, and so all teams got the news that I was
looking for a team.  Roger called me and we spent the whole weekend
talking."

Andre also talked to his Brazilian sponsors, Honda and Firestone.

"The Honda people got very proud and said that one guy that they created
reached such a high position in racing . . . almost the same thing was said
by Brazilian Marlboro."

Andre believes that Penske paid more attention to him after his
difficult season, when the Lola chassis wasn't good. 

"Just after I changed the chassis to Reynard, I had a third at
Toronto, and this was the point that made Penske watch me more
carefully," believes Andre.

"This was the team I dreamed of racing with since I entered F-Indy.
Roger told me they had a terrible year, and this with three wins.
Imagine what a good year would be for him.  I think this is the reason
why Penske dominates Indy so much.  The Penske team doesn't owe
anything compared to great F-1 teams such as Williams, McLarens or
Ferrari.  I even think Penske stands for Indy as Ferrari stands for
F-1."

Adriana Rodrigues -- The Auto Channel