Antonio Felix da Costa joins BMW for 2014

Red Bull junior, Antonio Felix da Costa will join BMW’s DTM programme in 2014.

da Costa, who competed in Formula Renault 3.5. in 2013, was widely tipped to take the second Toro Rosso Formula 1 seat alongside Jean-Eric Vergne for 2014.

However, the second Toro Rosso seat was taken by fellow Red Bull youngster, Russian Daniil Kvyat.

Following the Kvyat announcement, Red Bull affirmed it would continue to back da Costa and help him find a drive in a “professional” series for 2014.

At Jerez this week, the Portuguese tested BMW’s out-going M3 DTM car alongside the marque’s regular drivers, and at BMW’s end-of-year party, was announced as one of its race drivers for 2014.

“It is an honour for me to drive for such a big manufacturer as BMW,” said da Costa. “Switching from single-seater racing to touring cars is a new experience, but the cars are great to drive.

“The DTM is a top-class racing series, and I can’t wait to get stuck into this challenge.”

BMW’s motorsport director, Jens Marquardt added: “Felix really convinced us what a talented driver he is during his tests in the BMW M3 DTM, and through his previous success in single-seater racing.

“I am looking forward to following his development.”

da Costa will also act as Red Bull Racing’s third driver in 2014.