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CHAMP CAR: Da Matta Vows to Return to Racing
Written by: RACER Staff   http://www.racer.com
11/27/2006 - 07:00 PM
Belo Horizonte, Brazil
 


CDM is training on his bike indoors every day -- mountaing biking is still forbidden due to the risk of another head hit. (damatta.com photo) ยป More Photos

Cristiano da Matta's recovery continues at full-pace from the Brazilian's hometown of Belo Horizonte, three and a half months after the former Champ Car champion suffered a life-threatening accident during testing at the Road America circuit in Elkhart Lake.

Now, for the first time since the incident that forced him into a coma for over a month, the 33-year-old revealed his intentions to go back to racing in an interview to Brazil's Grande Premio website.

"I hadn't been away from the race tracks since I was six, so this has been very hard to me," he said. "The doctor made me promise I wouldn't be thinking about my future, because it would be bad for my recovery, but I don't think I'll be able to keep the promise!"

"I'm almost 100% [recovered]."

Da Matta has been training
physically every day, but, in spite of all his enthusiasm, is still unable to perform activities, such as his hobby of mountain biking, in which he could risk another head hit.

"I feel very well physically, almost ready in fact," he added. "But I can't risk hitting my head again now, so I'll have to wait a little longer."

According to the report, da Matta plans on sampling a go-kart sometime during the first trimester of '07 at the latest.

"I'm very exited about going back [to racing]," he continued, admitting that he's watched the Mexico City Champ Car race and the Rio round of the Brazilian Stock Car V8 series, in which he tested early this year.

Da Matta's RuSPORT Champ Car team currently faces an uncertain future, as owner Carl Russo is expected to step down from the sport next year.