António Félix da Costa – 7th Podium in 10 races

Eleven months after his single seater debut, and three weeks after his maiden victory in the NEC (Formula Renault Northern European Cup), António Félix da Costa was back in action, this time in Assen in The Netherlands.

In a track that was new to him, the young driver from Cascais managed to secure a 5^th and 4^th place on the grid for both races, being the fastest among the drivers that were visiting the Dutch track for the first time.

António had a good start in the first race, moving from 5th to 3rd within a few meters. The race was marked by two long interventions from the Safety Car, meaning that the drivers were only able to complete 5 laps in race conditions, and leaving the Portuguese driver without any chance of making up more places before the chequered flag.

In the second race, António Félix da Costa lost some places at the start, as he was squeezed into the pit wall by another driver, and was 6th after the first lap. In his traditional fighting spirit, he quickly made up some places and began to put pressure on the 3^rd placed driver. This driver, racing at home and trying desperately to hold his position, closed the door on António for three times. On the third time the two cars touched and António, with a damaged steering arm, had to settle for 4th place at the end.

 “I’m satisfied with the results in Assen because I gained more experience, got my 7th podium in 10 starts, and increased the gap to the drivers behind me in the championship, strengthening my 2^nd position”, commented the young Portuguese driver.

The next race of the Formula Renault NEC takes place next weekend at the legendary circuit of Zolder in Belgium. António is feeling confident about the event: “I tested here before and I am in very good form. I am really motivated by the results I achieved in my first year of racing and by the excellent work my team, Motopark Academy, have done. I will try and push the championship leader, Valtteri Bottas, as hard as possible!”, concluded António.