Felix da Costa to race GP3 with Status GP

Rising Portuguese star Antonio Felix da Costa has signed to race with Status Grand Prix in the GP3 Series this year. The 19-year-old comes to the Formula One support series full time in 2011 having competed in two events last year, and has chosen to join Silverstone-based team Status GP for his title challenge.

Felix da Costa performed strongly with three wins in the Euroseries Formula 3 championship in 2010, and now joins fellow ex-F3 ace Alexander Sims at Status GP, which finished second in the both the GP3 Drivers’ and Teams’ Championships last year.

Felix da Costa had his first taste of GP3 last summer when he competed in the Hungaroring and Spa events with Carlin, qualifying in the Top 10 on both occasions. The Lisbon-born driver then shone in post-season GP3 testing by topping the time sheets at Estoril and Jerez, before impressing in his first Formula One™ test with the Force India F1 Team at Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina circuit in November.

“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."

“I am very happy to take part in the GP3 Series this season," said Felix da Costa. “I know that Status GP will be the right team to help me to fight for podiums and the championship title."