Posted on 5th June 2016
Later this week, there was rumours circulating on social media that Antonio Felix da Costa is set to race for the Andretti Formula E team in season three of the all-electric championship.
The Portuguese driver is believed to have reached an agreement with the Andretti Formula E team for the 2016/17 season, which will begin in Hong Kong on October 9. The deal, which was agreed in recent days, reportedly includes options for multiple seasons.
It has been circulating this week on social media that da Costa is expected to officially sign a long-term deal shortly. Although da Costa himself would not talk directly about his deal or mention the Andretti team when contacted by the media, but in an interview this week, Da Costa did indicate that his immediate future in the championship was secured. Da Costa stated the following:-
It has been decided earlier this week but I can't give anything away. It is a long-term thing and I am happy. What I can say for sure is that I will be in Formula E full-time next year, so I will not be missing any races. I really want to have a go [at winning] this championship.â€-
-Da Costa has been cleared to race one last time for Team Aguri at Battersea Park next month despite the team making several changes in the final few races, which goes against the Sporting Regulations.
Da Costa’s expected move from Team Aguri to Andretti could be announced before the London ePrix finale next month. Robin Frijns is the strong favourite to continue with Andretti alongside da Costa next season.
Da Costa joining Andretti is further indication of BMW's plans to enter Formula E in a step-by-step process, which, it is believed, should ultimately end with a full-blown factory effort in season five of the championship in 2018/19.
BMW Director of Motorsport, Jens Marquardt has gone on record several times stating that the German giant would only be interested in Formula E when it reaches single-car races. It has been widely rumoured that a technical partnership between BMW and Andretti has been worked on for some time and is already progressing.
Sarah Jones- @jonesy_laaa
