Ocean Racing Technology has signed an agreement with Antonio Felix da Costa. In the light of the speed shown by the Portuguese driver during recent GP2 testing at Paul Ricard, his physical capacities and driving skills despite his young age, Ocean Racing Technology made the decision to set up a training program specific to his participation in the GP2 Main Series for 2011 at the wheel of the Portuguese team’s Dallara. The agreement includes several programs which will all have the aim of providing the driver with complete professional training so that he can exploit his talent as well as possible in order to translate it into solid performances.
Antonio Felix da Costa will accompany Ocean Racing Technology to several race meetings and testing sessions as well as following a preparation program that will include several physical driving training courses, analysis of data and performance which will be operated by the team’s engineering department, as well as a psychological structure for high level sport focusing on the pressure generated by a highly competitive sport as well as by the media.
Tiago Monteiro will work closely with his young compatriot through this initial preparation for the main feeder series to Formula One and he justifies the decision made by Ocean Racing Technology: "Antonio is a talented driver who was really efficient in GP2 testing at the Paul Ricard circuit. 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. I’m sure the result will be positive and fundamental in Antonio’s success in the GP2 Series."
Antonio Felix da Costa is ready to take up the innovative challenge in GP2 and has taken the opportunity to thank Ocean Racing Technology for this unique opportunity: "To work with Ocean Racing Technology already and to be able to count on Tiago’s help in this crucial stage of my career is a unique chance and I intend to optimize it. 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. 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."
Jose Guedes stresses the importance of integrating a new Portuguese talent within Ocean Racing Technology: "To integrate a Portuguese driver in our team is always a source of satisfaction and pride. To start an ambitious program with an aim of giving a young driver the best assets in order for him to meet the success in his profession is a pleasure for Ocean Racing Technology. Antonio is a mature young man for his age and this allows him to pursue his career by consolidating it with a dedicated structure. The GP2 Series’ are the feeder to F1 and as such are extremely competitive. The training of drivers is therefore a crucial step for the overall performance. We are certain that Antonio will step up and meet all our expectations."
At just 18 years of age, Felix will be the first Portuguese driver to follow a specific preparation programme aimed at the highest level of motor sport.