António Félix da Costa's stock value on the rise

As a prize for becoming vice-champion in the Formula Renault 2.0 Northern European Cup, António Félix da Costa was at the spectacular Paul Ricard Circuit in southern France yesterday where he tested a World Series by Renault car, becoming the youngest Portuguese driver ever to drive a 550hp single seater.

 As part of a group of 21 drivers, among which were the top 3 classified drivers in the various national Formula Renault championships held in Europe in 2008, as well as some drivers with previous World Series by Renault experience, the young Portuguese driver left everyone truly in awe by claiming the 2nd fastest time of the morning session driving one of P1 Motorsport's cars.

 On a very wet track, António was always in the top 3. Later, on a drying track and with all drivers switching to slick tires, Félix da Costa put on a series of impressive laps establishing himself as the second fastest driver in the session.

 "Today's experience is something I will never forget. It was amazing to drive a car at 242km/h, with so much cornering grip and terrific acceleration. I adapted very quickly and started to feel at ease from early on. I steadily improved my lap times and was always in the top 3. With slicks, the fastest lap is usually the second one, when the tires are at their performance peak. Since I was still learning the car, and also the track, my best time came only on the sixth lap so I think I could have taken 2 or 3 tenths off it", said the driver from Estoril.

 "I was integrated in P1 Motorsport, 2008 champions, and everyone gave me a lot of support. I want to give a special thank you to their Team Manager, Roly Vincini, who helped me learn the car and the track's secrets. I did 60 laps driving this World Series by Renault car and physically I felt very well. Actually, when the test ended I was ready to do at least 60 laps more!, concluded a cheerful António Félix da Costa, who will be in England from today to take part in the 2nd and final round of the Formula Renault Winter Series in Rockingham this weekend, where he hopes to put up a tough fight for a podium place.