Rogue Profile of Cristiano Da Matta

After some highly impressive running in the first part of the Grand Prix weekend,
Rookie Christiano daMatta started the race from sixteenth place on the grid. As
Toyota had elected for a full testing program daMatta, had the least experience
of the Albert Park Circuit.

On the eighth lap of the race, daMatta was running with Fisichella and Pizzonia
as the trio approached turn three. Distracted by the attractive colour of the
Jaguar, daMatta missed his braking point and spun into the gravel, he was out
on the spot.

"I started the race on slick tyres when the track was still wet in
places, so it was difficult to begin with but as the track dried I was making
good progress and catching the guys in front of me. As I was approaching turn
3, I had two cars to the left of me, so I couldn’t see the 100-metre braking marker,
and when I saw the 50-metre it was too late. It was just a silly mistake. The
race was good fun while it lasted, but it was nowhere near long enough for me.
We have been really competitive this weekend and I know the car is quick, so I
am just looking forward to the next race."