Motorsport TechnologyReigning ABB Formula E champion Antonio Felix da Costa said that he was hungry for more IndyCar opportunities after completing a successful test with the Rahal Letterman Lanigan team, partnered by Acronis.
Da Costa won last season’s truncated Formula E season at his first attempt with DS TECHEETAH, also partnered by Acronis, and he told motorsport.com after the test that he would like a crack at the IndyCar title, too, one day.
“Absolutely, I would love to race IndyCar,” said Da Costa. “I have always been a huge, huge fan of America and how they go about sport and how engaging they are with the fans. I’ve always been a fan of IndyCar in particular. A lot of friends and rivals who I’ve raced against in the past have been racing here – people who I respect a lot – and I always have fun watching the races on TV. So I have always wanted to come here.
We had a good, productive test with @afelixdacosta today.
Here’s what he had to say👇🏼@indycar | @BarberMotorPark pic.twitter.com/MVRjvl2vMT
— Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (@RLLracing) November 2, 2020
“After this test, I go back home today even more curious to have a go in one of these things in an actual race. So for sure, it’s in the back of my mind that I can do that. Obviously I’m committed to Formula E right now and the new season is starting in January. But it’s so easy to fly around the world that I’m sure if we want we could put something together.”
With regular driver Graham Rahal missing the test due to the birth of his child and Takuma Sato also unavailable, Da Costa was the sole representative for Rahal Letterman Lanigan and he put in an impressive performance, setting the 12th fastest time out of the 21 cars running. In doing so, he outpaced the four Team Penske-Chevrolets and was just 0.75sec off the fastest time set by Ed Carpenter Racing’s Rinus VeeKay.
.@afelixdacosta completed 42 laps before the lunch break.
So far, so good. That view though! @IndyCar | @BarberMotorPark pic.twitter.com/0Ckd7Pzgz0
— Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (@RLLracing) November 2, 2020
“The team had quite a few test items and comparisons that they wanted to go through,” added Da Costa. “I guess whatever it is, it’s always good to have opinions from someone who’s outside the circle, who doesn’t know anything about this car. So we went through a test plan, we got through most of the stuff, so in that respect it was a really positive day.
“It’s been a few years since I drove an F1 car and gone through a feeling like this, so it felt like I was a young kid again, which was really nice.
“In the end it was not too bad. The car’s very physical, and I was tense – new track, new car – and by the end of the day I was pretty much done. My neck is sore. But anyway, it is a really cool thing to feel so tired because of being in a racecar!”
“I just did my first lap around the track in my rental car and it looks awesome. I feel like a kid again. It’s going to be an awesome day.” — @afelixdacosta
📍 @BarberMotorPark @IndyCar pic.twitter.com/sWPUEa7LQP
— Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (@RLLracing) November 2, 2020
Andy Hallbery