The Brazilian was at Sebring International Raceway with Belardi Auto Racing for the USF2000 Cooper Tires Winterfest where he claimed a podium finish in Race 1.

The MAZDASPEED Motorsports Development driver gained huge amounts of knowledge during the Cooper Tires Winterfest events that he plans to use for the season.

With the talented line-up of second-year racer Michael Johnson and rookies Stefan Rzadzinski, Arthur Oliveira, and Clark Toppe getting behind the wheel, the stage is set for a strong start to the 14-race championship fight.

American rising stars Wyatt Gooden and Brandon Newey will make their Mazda Road to Indy debuts with the Minnesota-based squad, poised to challenge for top honors.

With a potent two-car line-up in RC Enerson and Luca Forgeois, the Florida-based squad has two former multiple National class race winners capable of challenging for places on the post-race podium.