Sunday October 27th, 2002

2002 CART Champion Cristiano da Matta is still undecided on whether to accept Toyota's offer for a Formula One seat next year, but the Brazilian says the decision is solely up to him.

Da Matta, racing this weekend at the Indy 300 at Surfers' Paradise in Australia, told a press conference after yesterday's qualifying session he has an offer from Toyota - with whom he is currently driving in the American series - to join Olivier Panis in their Formula One team.

However, the 28-year-old Brazilian said he has yet to make a decision whether to make the move to Formula One. "The decision is very important for me," he said. "For you it may seem easy, but for me it's a pretty difficult decision. That's the only reason why it's taking so long."

Q: So you still don't know?

Da Matta: "No."

Q: Is it your decision alone now; it's up to you?

Da Matta: "It's up to me, yes."

Q: So you have the offer to go F1; you're trying to decide whether you take it?

Da Matta: "Exactly."

Q: So when do you think you will decide?

Da Matta: "I don't know. [Australia] is a perfect place to decide. You can relax, look at the sunshine, you have the beach. Maybe I'll think a little more clearly."

Published at 07:36:11 GMT