RuSPORT driver making slow, steady progress in intensive care in Wisconsin

LOVELAND, Colo., Aug. 7, 2006, 7:00 pm EDT – The condition of Champ Car World Series driver Cristiano da Matta (#10 RuSPORT Ford-Cosworth / Lola / Bridgestone) continues to improve as he recovers from a serious head injury at Theda Clark Medical Center in Neenah, Wisc. Da Matta was injured after colliding with a deer that ran onto the track near Turn Six at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisc., on Thursday afternoon.

Earlier today, Champ Car Medical Director Dr. Chris Pinderski, who has been very involved in da Matta’s care and recovery process, flew to Wisconsin to monitor the condition of da Matta. He visited da Matta and spoke with da Matta’s family and attending physician, Dr. Randall R. Johnson. The following statement is an update on da Matta’s medical status.

“Cristiano continues to make slow but steady progress while in the Intensive Care Unit at Theda Clark Medical Center. At this point in his recovery, Dr. Johnson has begun to decrease Cristiano’s sedation. The care Cristiano has been receiving has been excellent and he’ll remain in the Intensive Care Unit while his condition and progress are being monitored.”

Further updates on da Matta’s condition will be issued by RuSPORT as they become available.