Da Matta's father was Toninho da Matta, a 14-time Brazilian touring car champion.
Born in Belo Horizonte, Cristiano da Matta began karting at the age of 16, adopting a helmet design nearly identical to his famous father's helmet.
He quickly rose to the top by winning numerous karting championships before winning the 1993 Brazilian Formula Ford championship.
In 1994, he continued his successful ways, winning the Formula Three Sudamericana championship.
In 1995, da Matta participated in the British Formula 3 series, winning one race and placing eighth in the standings.
He then placed 8th in the following year's Formula 3000 championship, with a best finish of 4th at Pau.
Da Matta's father was Toninho da Matta, a 14-time Brazilian touring car champion. Born in Belo Horizonte, Cristiano da Matta began karting at the age of 16, adopting a helmet design nearly identical to his famous father's helmet. He quickly rose to the top by winning numerous karting championships before winning the 1993 Brazilian Formula Ford championship. In 1994, he continued his successful ways, winning the Formula Three Sudamericana championship. In 1995, da Matta participated in the British Formula 3 series, winning one race and placing eighth in the standings. He then placed 8th in the following year's Formula 3000 championship, with a best finish of 4th at Pau.
Cristiano da Matta