Grapevine: Da Matta Move to Toyota Less Likely

Brazilian Cristiano Da Matta has said that his move to Formula One with Toyota is only 20 per cent certain despite speculation claiming he has signed a deal.

Da Matta, who currently leads the CART championship, has been hotly-tipped to join the German-based team alongside Frenchman Olivier Panis in 2003 after current line-up Finn Mika Salo and Briton Allan McNish were both ditched.

But da Matta played down his chances of switching to Formula One next season and said: "I know I'm near the top of Toyota's list of possible drivers, but right now it is a 20 per cent chance (of landing a seat)."

Da Matta, who competes for the Newman-Haas team which is co-owned by Hollywood actor Paul Newman, also said that there are no plans for him to test Toyota's Formula One car again this year after getting behind the wheel of the TF102 earlier this season.

"My boss doesn't want me to drive the F1 car again until the Champ Car season is over," added 29-year-old da Matta, who currently holds a 52-point lead in the CART standings over compatriot Bruno Junqueira.