Toyota will win in F1, says da Matta.

2002 CART Champion Cristiano da Matta has admitted that he won't have to worry about Michael Schumacher this year - however he does believe that Toyota will win grand's prix.

Speaking to British tabloid newspaper The People, he said: "I don't have to worry about [Michael] Schumacher in my first year.

"I think that it would be too much to ask to expect me to win races and challenge Schumacher this year, but I'm not worried.

"I'm looking forward to the season and after driving the car I am confident we will do better than last season."

He added: "I came to Toyota because they can win. Some teams in F1 will never win. Toyota have a very bright future. They have all the resources and are very serious about winning Formula 1.

"I know I'm not going to win in my first year. That is very unlikely but I think Toyota will win and that is the reason why I joined the team.

"My fitness is good for Formula 1 because I think you have to be fitter in CART racing. In CART you use your shoulders, chest and arms a lot more because the car is 200 kilos heavier and you don't have power steering. F1 is a lot tougher on the neck because of the extra G-force but aerobically CART is harder."

The Brazilian, who will make his debut at the Australian GP, concluded: "I have until March to get used to the car and until then I will be testing with the team every week.

"I don't think it will be too difficult to get to know the tracks. The main thing is getting used to the car."