The BMW drivers achieved an outstanding team result on the fourth race weekend of the 2015 DTM season in Zandvoort (NL). All six podium places went to drivers in BMW M4 DTMs. Marco Wittmann (DE) and António Félix da Costa (PT) took the plaudits on the top step of the podium after races seven and eight. Félix da Costa first secured his maiden pole position in the DTM on Sunday morning, before converting it to become the first Portuguese driver ever to win a DTM race.
Three questions for… António Félix da Costa.
António, you were the man of the weekend in Zandvoort, with a pole position, a win and a second place. What does this success mean to you?
António Félix da Costa: “It is a fantastic feeling. When I came to the DTM, a year and a half ago, everything felt easy. The car was superb, BMW was very strong, and I was able to mix it at the front of the field from the word go. However, I then had a few problems. I suddenly struggled to get the balance of the car right, which meant I could not show BMW and the DTM what I was capable of. The second half of the 2014 season was really tough. In the winter I took a big step forward and really analysed my situation very closely. After a few problems for all the BMWs early on in the season, everything came together here in Zandvoort – and I am on the top step of the podium. I am obviously very proud of that.”
What is the most important thing you have learned over the past few months?
Félix da Costa: “My battles in the pack and the many tough races have generally made me a better DTM driver. You have to gain this experience to be stronger moving forward. At the same time, I never doubted that I could lead and win races if everything fell into place. That was finally the case here, and I kept my word and proved that I can win.”
You have now earned your place in the long success story of BMW Team Schnitzer…
Félix da Costa: “That means an awful lot to me. It is unbelievable to enjoy success with such an experienced and iconic team – and with a fantastic team principal like Charly Lamm. Whenever I am in Freilassing, I marvel at the trophies and the long stories you find everywhere there. Now I am a part of all that.”