Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 - Silverstone - Race 1
With consistent performances all season, Antonio Felix da Costa (Motopark Academy) nevertheless needed a win to confirm his rank of championship leader in Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0. After starting from 3rd place on the grid, the Portuguese driver got his win, thanks to some fine attacking driving. He finishes ahead Albert Costa (Epsilon Euskadi) and Jean-Eric Vergne (SG Formula).
The crowds were still out in numbers at Silverstone as the Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 drivers lined up on the start grid, with Jean-Éric Vergne in pole position, sharing the front row with the surprising Adam Kout (Krenek Motorsport). Vergne got the better start and soon pulled away from Kout, who had his hands full containing Antonio Felix da Costa, Albert Costa and Miki Monras (SG Formula).
But do what he may, Adam Kout was forced to relinquish his second place by an unstoppable attack from Antonio Felix da Costa in lap 3. Albert Costa made the most of the opening at the next turn. So within a few seconds, Kout was down from second to fourth place. For da Costa and Costa, the name of the game now was to claw back Jean-Éric Vergne’s three second lead.
In lap 6, Adam Kout, then in 4th, was brought to a halt at the side of the track, with a broken transmission shaft. Miki Monras, Carlos Munoz (Epsilon Euskadi), Kevin Magnussen (Motopark Academy) and Arthur Pic (SG Formula), jostling for position among themselves, all moved up one place at his expense. At the same time the gap between Jean-Eric Vergne and the chasing pair, Antonio Felix da Costa / Albert Costa, was being eroded lap after lap. With ten minutes to go, Vergne had a lead of just one second.
Antonio Felix da Costa was clearly up for it today. The Portuguese driver moved up wheel to wheel with the Frenchman. Neither driver wanted to give in, but Antonio Felix de Costa was in the better position at the end of the pit straight and got ahead. Albert Costa took advantage of the situation and also got past Jean-Éric Vergne. Now in the lead, Antonio Felix da Costa had every reason to be on the lookout for Albert Costa. It looked like the Spaniard was determined to stop da Costa pick up his first win of the season.
In spite of Albert Costa’s best efforts, Antonio Felix da Costa drove to his maiden victory of the campaign, strengthening his position at the top of the overall Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 standings. Mid-way through the season, his lead stands at five points. Jean-Éric Vergne rounded up podium trio.
Quotes
Antonio Felix da Costa: “Ever since my days in Karting, I’d always wanted to win a race in Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0, to do like Felipe Albuquerque who I followed in all his races. So I’m very happy today, all the more so as I needed to consolidate my lead in the overall standings.”
Albert Costa: “Our car wasn’t the most competitive today, so second is a good result. Each time I finish, I’m on the podium. The only thing is now I really need to win so as not to let Antonio Felix da Costa get away.”
Jean-Éric Vergne: The race started off well, but car got very difficult to drive. It was sliding around a lot. Also, I didn’t have enough fuel at the end. Given those conditions I have to be satisfied with third. We need to work to find solutions, and starting from pole tomorrow I need to win.”
