Antonio Felix da Costa will make a Macau Grand Prix return in 2016 as he lines-up alongside Lando Norris, Jake Hughes and Sergio Sette Câmara in a four-car line-up for Carlin.
The Portuguese racer is a former winner at Macau, triumphing back in 2012, and reunites with Carlin who he drove with in the GP3 Series, and the current FIA Formula E racer is delighted to be back at the legendary Macau for another crack at victory.
“Macau is a special place, it’s just pure driving,” admitted Felix da Costa. “The adrenaline rush you feel when you’re driving between those walls is a feeling you don’t get anywhere else.
“There is no aim as such in going back for me; I’m just doing it for the love of the sport, so when I got the call from Trevor a few weeks ago I couldn’t say no. There will also be a few fellow Macau winners going back, as well as a lot of young up and coming guys too so it will be a fun weekend.
“I’m looking forward to being back with the guys in blue. I would like to thank BMW Motorsport for the freedom and supporting my Macau comeback.”
Also joining the squad is Red Bull Junior Team racer Sette Câmara, who had been initially been omitted from the Motopark squad for the event, but the young Brazilian, the lap record holder at Macau in a Formula 3 car, is happy to be given the chance with Carlin to impress once more.
“Macau is definitely the most awaited F3 race of the season,” said Sette Camara. “The atmosphere is amazing and the prestige you gain by winning means everyone puts in maximum effort.
“It is amazing to race in such a high performance environment. Last year was my first time in Macau; I was very competitive through the weekend and scored the lap record of the circuit.
“This year I carry the experience with me, and I am racing with such a successful team like Carlin, powered with the Volkswagen Spiess engines which always perform well! I’m feeling very confident with that package.”
Norris attacks Macau on the back of a triumphant double championship in Formula Renault 2.0, winning both the Northern European Cup and Eurocup titles, and recently made his Formula 3 debut in the FIA European Formula 3 Championship at the Hockenheimring, and is also eager to attack the streets of Macau.
“I really enjoyed my debut in the Formula Three car at Hockenheim and despite having to start from the pit lane for the races we definitely showed a lot of pace in the car over the course of the weekend,” said Norris.
“I can’t wait to get back in the F3 car at Macau – I’ve heard so many great stories about the track and the challenges it brings but as always, we’re going to prepare well as a team before we even get there so we’re ready.
“Obviously it’s going to be a challenge but it’s one I’m really looking forward to and it will round off an amazing season.”
Hughes will also be making his Macau debut, and also joined Carlin’s attack at the Hockenheimring in the finale of the European Formula 3 season, claiming a podium in the final race after a strong performance throughout the weekend.
“I cannot wait to get my first experience of Macau in a few weeks!” said Hughes. “It has been on the top of my bucket list for a long time and I can’t thank everyone at Carlin enough for giving me the opportunity.
“Obviously it will be a big learning curve for me but I will leave no stone unturned in preparation to make sure I go there and fight for the best possible result.”