Matos: Luczo Dragon can win races

The 27-year-old Brazilian is the reigning Indy Lights champion and is currently the highest-placed rookie in the IndyCar standings in 13th place, following top eight finishes at Long Beach and Milwaukee.

Having kept pace with the front runners on both road course and ovals so far this year, he is confident that he will be in contention to win a race at some point this year.

"My goal is to win a race," he said. "I really believe we're capable of winning a race this year if we get everything right. I think performance-wise on road courses we have what it takes.

"It's going to take a lot of effort from me and a lot of effort from the team, there's a lot of work to be done. But I truly believe in the people we have on our team and I think we can do it."

The Jay Penske and Steve Luczo-owned team is contesting the full IndyCar season this year after a part-campaign with Tomas Scheckter in 2008, and Matos believes the team has what it takes to compete with the likes of Penske, Ganassi and Andretti Green.

"We're ready for the challenge," Matos said. "We put ourselves in that position and against the best. I'm sure everyone on the Luczo Dragon team is just as competitive as I am, and I'm sure they want to win really bad.

"We're doing everything we can to get the performance out of the car, and I'm doing everything I can to learn as much as I can and to improve every day."