Da Matta to Bank on Experience for Strong 2004

Brazilian Cristiano da Matta is confident his Toyota team will be able to fight for point finishes in every of the 18 rounds of the 2004 season.

Da Matta will start his second year in Formula One after making his debut with Toyota at the start of last season, when he scored 10 points to become the rookie of the year. With a year's experience now the former CART champion has set higher goals for him and his team.

"In my experience, nothing comes close to the sheer thrill of driving a Formula One car," the Brazilian said.

"But when you go racing that feeling quickly wears off and you want results. I have complete faith in our new TF104 and I am sure that we will be battling for points at each of the races this year."

Without having to spend Friday's sessions getting to learn the tracks, da Matta believes he is ready to have a stronger season in 2004.

"When you have to spend most of Friday learning a track, it puts you at a big disadvantage to the others," da Matta said, "particularly in terms of car set-up. At least now I can get straight on with the important stuff, and I think that will show in my performances over the year."