Toyota: No Driver Decision Yet

Toyota will not make any announcement at the United Stated Grand Prix on the identity of their second driver for 2003 despite rumours that Champ Car star Cristiano da Matta has already signed for the team.

Brazilian da Matta, who has been linked with Toyota in various racing series for four years, tested for the Grand Prix team at Paul Ricard in May but has been embroiled in complex negotiations over his release from Champ Cars.

It was reported in the French press that he had signed a deal based on a free supply of engines for his Newman-Haas team's Indy Racing League effort next year and although that is understood to be the deal being brokered, the team deny it has already been signed.

"No announcement is planned for the United States Grand Prix weekend," said a team spokesperson. "The rumours are certainly not a sign of an imminent decision.

"We are in the same process as we have been for some time, and we have said that the timing will be closer to the Japanese Grand Prix. We first have to finalise a decision on drivers then finalise a decision on the timing."

Toyota announced at the Belgian Grand Prix that they would be dumping current drivers Allan McNish and Mika Salo for next season and signing experienced Frenchman Olivier Panis to take one of the empty seats.

They are understood to want a young charger to race in the second car and da Matta, who is currently leading the Champ Car championship, is believed to be favourite ahead of fellow Brazilian Felipe Massa, of Sauber.