Franck Perera signs for 2008 with Conquest

Franck Perera has signed, we learned this evening, with Conquest Racing for the upcoming 2008 Champ Car season.

The young Frenchman, who had been testing with the team for three days, made his contract official today and will start racing at the first event in 2008, in Sebring.

Perera was last year in Champcar Atlantic, the category below the World Series, and represents a real hope in the discipline after his runner-up position in 2007.

« This is a great opportunity for me and I would like to thank Conquest for believing in my abilities. »

By finishing first last year, Perera could have won a two-million-dollar bonus. Nevertheless, he says: « We have a thought for the two million dollars that could have helped us sign the contract. But even without that money, we managed to reach an agreement, so I am very happy and very eager to drive for the team. »

Eric Bachelart, the director of the Conquest team, added: “I think Franck [Perera] will surprise a lot of people this year. He was the best driver in the Formula Atlantics last season and he’s an excellent choice for our team.”

Perera does not yet know his teammate, but he will be the third Frenchman in the discipline last year, provisionally. Franck Montagny is also in the process of signing a contract with Forsythe.