It was certainly an special victory for TAG Heuer Porsche's Antonio Felix da Costa at the inaugural Cape Town E-Prix. The Season 6 champion pulled off the overtake of the season so far to pass DS PENSKE's Jean-Eric Vergne for the lead in the race's final stages.
The nail-biting move, which granted da Costa his first win for the Porsche team, resulted from missing his final ATTACK MODE when leading the E-Prix. However, after successfully taking the one minute left of mandatory 50kW boost on the second attempt, he was then faced with passing his former teammate to take back first place.
"There was a moment in the race when I missed the ATTACK MODE, I thought, 'ok [the win] is gone', and I have to finish second," da Costa said after the race. "But, when I dropped behind him, I could see the energy coming back, and I said, 'let's go for it', and it's the only way I like to do it."
In the move, hailed as one of the most courageous the all-electric championship has EVER seen, da Costa leaves just millimetres between the two to regain the lead.
"I knew it was going to be a bit of a strategic one," the Portuguese driver continued. "I have done this race before when you have to give that lead away and really plan a late move in the race because the energy was playing a big part, and following was a little bit of an advantage.
"So, I wanted to be behind him for a few laps, build that energy advantage and use it, but I know leaving it late was always a risk.
"I know Jean-Eric Vergne is a very hard guy to overtake, and I thought I was gone for a moment there in T9, so super fair from him, and it's good to race him on a day like this."
During the post-race interview, the two old teammates embraced, with an emotional da Costa proud that he could finally win under the Porsche banner.
"It is the first time I don't have a lot to say. A lot of weight on my shoulders but thanks to the ones that stuck up to me and helped me get here."
The incredible move from da Costa on the DS PENSKE driver was also the second time he'd attempted such a move for first place in the race!
On Lap 24, da Costa did the same outrageous overtake on Envision Racing's Nick Cassidy for first place. This all unfolded at the same part of the track that had already seen three crashes throughout the weekend - the Turn 7, 8 and 9 combo.
Summarising the feeling of his victory at the inaugural Cape Town E-Prix, da Costa stated: "what a journey."