Brazilian Racing News: Cristiano da Matta
27 February 1998
26 year-old Brazilian racer Cristiano da Matta is one of the favorites to clinch the 1998 Indy-Lights title. Cristiano--who raced in 1997 for Brian Stewart Racing and was rookie of the year, finishing 3rd in the championship--switched teams this year to drive for Tasman. "This season will be the best opportunity for me to secure a seat in the 1999 Championship Cars series. I am with the best team and I have all things in the right place now to win the championship. I dont like to enter this championship as favorite, but I must say this time for the first time in my life, that if I dont win the championship I will be very disappointed and will disappoint my sponsors too" said Cristiano. Brazilian driver Ayrton Dare followed Cristiano to Tasman. Dare is in his third racing season, as he arrived from the jet ski, where he was several time brazilian and paulista champion. "My target is to finish in the top 5 this year, this would let me be very happy" said Dare. Marc Zimmermann - The Auto Channel