Antonio Felix da Costa will race in the GP3 Series full-time in 2011 with the Status GP team.
The young Portuguese driver made his GP3 debut in 2010 when he raced for Carlin at the Hungaroring and Spa rounds of the inaugural season. He then took part in the post-season tests at Estoril and Jerez, where he was often found towards the top of the timesheets.
19-year-old Felix da Costa finished seventh in the Formula 3 Euro Series standings in 2010, winning three races and taking the Rookie Cup crown. He also went on to impress when he tested for Force India at the Formula 1 Young Driver Tests at Abu Dhabi.
Felix da Costa joins Alexander Sims at Status GP, who finished second in the drivers' and teams' championships in 2010.
Felix da Costa is pleased to be joining Status as he attempts to challenge for the GP3 title. “I am very happy to take part in the GP3 Series this season,” he said. “I know that Status GP will be the right team to help me to fight for podiums and the championship title.”
“Antonio is a very impressive young driver, with a combination of maturity and speed that makes him a definite title contender,” said Status GP team principal Teddy Yip. “We’re delighted he’s joining our team.”
Team manager Simon Cayzer added: “Having Antonio alongside Alexander gives us the foundations of a very strong GP3 driver line-up, and the team is looking forward to working with them both.”
