Da Matta Pleased with First F1 Points

Brazilian Cristiano da Matta was delighted after scoring his first Formula One points at today's Spanish Grand Prix.

The current CART champion, who had failed to shine in the first four races of the 2003 season, put on a strong performance at the Barcelona circuit to clinch his first three points thanks to a sixth place finish.

The result also gave his Toyota team their first points of the season.

"I am happy with this result today for myself and for the whole team," said da Matta. "This was one of the first clean races we have had this season and overall it was a generally trouble-free weekend for me. It feels good to score points for the first time - the first of many I hope.

"We really deserved fifth place, but I just couldn't get past Ralf at the end. My brake pedal was going a bit too long from midway through the race, so I couldn't push hard enough. I hope these three points are just the beginning."

Frenchman Olivier Panis, meanwhile, was very disappointed after he had to retire with a mechanical problem, and he called the Japanese outfit to improve the reliability.

"Obviously I am very annoyed," admitted Panis. "I am so disappointed - we really need to stop losing points like this, although I am naturally pleased for Cristiano and the team scoring sixth place."