Portuguese driver Antonio Felix da Costa has signed a deal with GP2 team Ocean Racing Engineering, aiming to bring him through to a race drive for the team in 2011.
The move follows da Costa's performance for Tiago Monteiro's team at last months Paul Ricard test, where he set the sixth fastest time of the three days as the Formula Renualt alumni held his own against vastly more experienced drivers.
Ocean Racing Technology will set up a specialised program, including driving training courses, analysis of data and performance as well as psychological courses, aimed at preparing the young driver for top level competition. He will also join the team at several GP2 race weekends and test events through 2010.
“Antonio is a talented driver who was really efficient in GP2 testing at the Paul Ricard circuit,” said Monteiro. “All year long he will have the opportunity to learn the teams working methods and will also train physically and mentally for a very demanding championship. Since the birth of Ocean Racing Technology, one year ago, we have set ourselves some specific goals and to have the opportunity to train a driver like Antonio is not only a challenge but also an exciting project.”
“The high level of professionalism and the immense desire of Ocean Racing Technology’s to win will be decisive factors for my training and I hope it will see me reach Formula 1,” explains da Costa, who will race in the F3 Euroseries alongside his work with Ocean.
“I am well aware of the importance of such a agreement for my future and I am confident because I know ORT and Tiago’s knowledge will be additional motivation factors and that they will open up various perspectives and will help me make some contacts with the aim of taking the wheel of an F1 car one day.”
