Another CART title goes to de Ferran

SURFERS PARADISE, Australia -- Gil de Ferran thought his career would take an upward turn when he signed on before last season to drive for Roger Penske.

But the 33-year-old Brazilian never figured his fortunes would improve so dramatically after five years as just another contender on the CART circuit. Two seasons with the greatest open-wheel team in American history have resulted in two championships.

"Never in a million years did I ever think I would achieve this much success," de Ferran said after clinching the championship Sunday in the Honda Indy. "For me to be speaking here as a two-time champion is very special. I guess we'll just keep going."

He went far enough in the race through the city streets to finish fourth behind winner Cristiano da Matta, one position ahead of Kenny Brack. De Ferran picked up 12 points, leaving him with 191. Brack got 10 points to give him 163, but was closed out because a maximum of 22 can be earned next Sunday in the season finale at California Speedway.

"I guess it hasn't completely sunk in yet," de Ferran said of the title. "All I can think is I'm a very fortunate person to be driving for a guy like Roger and a team like we have.

"I've been living in a dream since I joined the team two years ago. My life has been wonderful from a personal and professional standpoint."

The title was not decided without a bit of a controversy, however. Bobby Rahal, who owns Brack's car, charged that his driver was being blocked for part of the race by Helio Castroneves, de Ferran's teammate.

Castroneves, also within striking distance of the championship when the race began, said bad brakes hurt him in a 20th-place finish.

No complaints

Brack didn't complain about Castroneves, choosing instead to congratulate de Ferran, who gave Penske his ninth CART championship and 11th open-wheel title overall.

"They did a great job all year," Brack said of de Ferran's team. "I always had a feeling he would be the one to beat for the championship."

Penske said de Ferran has established himself as a true champion, and was never better than this year, when he was forced to rally for the title.

"He came from behind in the points and was fast and consistent when he needed to be," Penske said.

The victory was the second this season for da Matta and the third of his career. He took the lead for the first time by passing polesitter Roberto Moreno on the 47th of 65 laps over the 2.795-mile course .

Da Matta relinquished the lead when he made his final pit stop on lap 49, but regained it three laps later.

"I think my performance is very related to the amount of people that are watching the race," joked da Matta. "I'm the kind of guy who likes to show off. Coincidence or not, it's great to win a race in front of a lot of people."

Da Matta's Toyota-Lola beat the Honda-Reynard of Michael Andretti by 5.786 seconds. Alex Tagliani was third in a Ford-Reynard.

The winner averaged 97.511 mph in a race slowed by two cation flags covering five laps.