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Brazilian Racing News: Da Matta Leads PPG-Dayton Indy Lights Series

8 April 1998

Brazilian Driver Cristiano da Matta, current leader of the 1998
PPG-Dayton Indy Lights Series is very satisfied with his results so
far. "At this time of the year I had less points than I have now and I
was much more lost about the setups of the car than I am now" said Da
Matta, comparing last year with his progress this season. Da Matta is
still struggling to get the whole budget for 1998's racing effort.  Da
Matta, who is racing for Tasman, the reigning champion team, is very
happy with his development this season.

"I started in karts in Brazil and in every series I went I was
champion, most of them even in the first year." said the Brazilian
from Belo Horizonte. "Only when I went to Great Britain to compete in
the British F-3 I had more problems and couldnt be a runner-up for the
championship. Last year, being rookie of the year and third in the
championship in my first season was very, very good for me and for my
sponsors in Brazil."

Cristiano da Matta, son of Toninho da Matta, one of the best Brazilian
GT drivers ever, is very confident about this year. "I think every
driver want to be champion, and I must say that I have big chances to be
champion this year, it only depends on me now." 

Marc Zimmermann - The Auto Channel