Long Beach: Da Matta aims for record

The Brazilian won the last two races of 2001, and then claimed victory at this year's season-opener at Monterrey in Mexico last month. If he wins at the famous Long Beach street circuit on Sunday, he will join Al Unser Jr and Alex Zanardi as the only drivers to have won four races in a row. The only difference will be that Unser Jr and Zanardi managed the feat in one complete season (1990 and '98 respectively).

Long Beach is arguably the most popular race on the CART calendar and a win there is one to be cherished. "It's fun to go to a place where it's not only a big race, but it's a big event too," said da Matta, whose Lola-Toyota will be sponsored in California by the Chevron oil brand for the first time. "Of course, the race for us is what matters, but the atmosphere around the whole event is great."

His team-mate Christian Fittipaldi is also hungry to win, following his third place in Mexico. If he takes victory for Newman-Haas instead, it would still mark a record - for a team's consecutive number of wins.

"I had a very good test at Sebring about two weeks ago to prepare for Long Beach," said Fittipaldi. "We were very competitive in Mexico so I definitely feel confident about the race. We will be strong in Long Beach."

The two qualifying sessions start at 2140 and 2145 (BST) on Friday and Saturday respectively. The race is due to start at 2030 (BST) on Sunday.