Grapevine: Da Matta Set to Land Toyota Seat

Brazilian Cristiano Da Matta is expected to sign a contract with the Toyota team this week, a deal which will be announced during the United States Grand Prix, according to Italian daily Gazzetta dello Sport.

Da Matta, who looks set to clinch his first CART title this year, has reportedly travelled to Germany following the Rockingham 500 in order to continue negotiations to drive for the Cologne-based squad next year, partnering Frenchman Olivier Panis, who signed a two-year deal earlier this year.

The Brazilian is believed to be discussing a way out of the Newman-Haas team, with whom he has a contract until the end of the 2003 season.

According to reports, Toyota will be forced to pay a significant amount to release da Matta from his current contract, but the agreement between the two teams is expected to also guarantee an engine deal for Newman-Haas for next year's Indy Racing League (IRL) season. Newman-Haas are currently using Toyota engines in the CART championship.

28-year old da Matta has already tested for Toyota, who are making their Formula One debut this year.