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Da Matta and Toyota confirmed at Newman-Haas

Cristiano da Matta has been confirmed as Michael Andretti's replacement at Newman-Haas for 2001. The Brazilian will be paired with countryman Christian Fittipaldi who won the million dollar season-closer at Fontana for the team

The announcement has been expected for some time, as has the team's switch from Ford to Toyota power.

Da Matta, who scored his first CART victory at Chicago for PPI Motorsports this year is delighted with the move: "It is great to join one of the most successful teams in the CART series," he said. "I'm looking forward to driving for Carl (Haas) and Paul (Newman), and having Christian as a team mate."

The team will run Lola-Toyotas in the 2001 season, having been championship front-runners for most of the 2000 season with Lola-Ford. Da Matta is the only driver besides Juan Montoya to win for the Japanese engine manufacturer.

Carl Haas, who co-owns the team with filmstar Paul Newman, said: "Since they became involved in the CART series, Toyota has displayed a high level of commitment, not only on the race track, but also in the marketing arena. We are looking forward to winning many races for them and being a championship contender."

The Newman-Haas team has so far won three championships, with Mario Andretti, Michael Andretti and Nigel Mansell.

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