Da Costa Set for Sprint Cup Effort With ROWE

Photo: BMW

Formula E star Antonio Felix da Costa is set for a Blancpain GT Series Sprint Cup effort with ROWE Racing, with the German squad confirming its two-car lineup ahead of this weekend’s season-opener in Misano.

Da Costa will join fellow BMW factory driver Philipp Eng in the No. 99 BMW M6 GT3 car for the majority of the season, although will be replaced by Tom Blomqvist at Misano due to his Formula E duties in Mexico City this weekend.

The Portuguese driver replaces Alexander Sims, with Sims focusing his efforts on the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship with BMW Team RLL this season.

Meanwhile, Markus Palttala and Jesse Krohn will share the No. 98 BMW for the full Sprint Cup season.

Stef Dusseldorp drove that car last year, joined by Nicky Catsburg, Krohn and Maxime Martin at different rounds.

“We travel to Misano with fond memories,” said team principal Hans-Peter Naundorf.

“Last year we started the season with our first podium in the main race, following an eventful qualifying race. The circuit is very quick and demanding.

“With so many strong cars and drivers, it is hard to define any specific goals for this year. Our main focus is obviously defending our title at the 24 Hours of Spa.

“However, we are also keen to continually show what we are capable of in the second year of the BMW M6 GT3, having made a number of improvements to the car.”

Jake Kilshaw

Jake Kilshaw is a UK-based journalist. He is a graduate of Politics and International Relations.