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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.
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