Antonio Felix da Costa gets Carlin GP3 seat
Antonio Felix da Costa will stay in GP3 after Carlin confirmed him as its second driver for the forthcoming campaign
The 20-year-old Portuguese driver made his category debut with Carlin in 2010, before switching to Status - with whom he won once on his way to finishing 13th in the championship - in 2011.
He then rejoined Carlin for GP3's pre-season tests at Estoril - where he finished third fastest on both days - and Barcelona, where he ended at the top of the timesheets.
Da Costa, who also competed in the 2011 GP2 Final in Abu Dhabi and tested for Force India in Formula 1, said his testing pace left him confident for his 2012 campaign.
"I'm really looking forward to this season with Carlin: I know the team really well and get on so well with everyone, it's like a family," he said.
"Having raced with the team before I feel really comfortable in the car, which I think we've shown in pre-season testing.
"Our pace in testing has left me confident for the start of the season and I can't wait for the first race in May."
Team boss Trevor Carlin added: "The team have done a great job in testing and Antonio has really been on form, setting the fastest time at the last test in Barcelona.
"I'm expecting him to be a real contender this season."
Da Costa will join Alex Brundle at Carlin, the Briton having been confirmed at the start of February.
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