• Peg It on GarageMonkey
CHAMP CAR: Perera Inks Conquest Deal
Frenchman is first driver confirmed by two-car team.
RACER & autosport.com  | http://www.racer.com/speedtv  |  Posted February 06, 2008   Indianapolis, Ind.
Perera's speed in testing earned him a full-season ride with Conquest. (LAT photo)

Topping the overall three-day timesheets during testing at Sebring had immediate consequences for Franck Perera: the Frenchman was confirmed today as the first driver of what is expected to be a two-car effort from Eric Bachelart’s outfit.

According to today’s announcement, Perera’s hiring is not related to the possibility of him inheriting the $2 million bonus that goes to the Champ Car Atlantic champion, a prize declined by IRL-bound title winner Raphael Matos. Perera finished second to Matos in the ’07 Atlantic championship.

“This is a great opportunity for me and I would like to thank Conquest for believing in my ability,” he stated. “We had our eye on part of the $2 million but I’m thrilled we were able to reach a deal even without it. I can’t wait to get back behind the wheel in the upcoming test at Laguna Seca.”

Conquest boss Eric Bachelart added: “I think Franck will surprise many people this year. He was the best driver in Atlantics last season and is a great addition to our team.”

Last December, Conquest secured a partnership with the Opes Prime group that was hailed by Bachelart as the end of his squad’s recent financial struggles. Drivers believed to be in the running for the vacant seat include Simon Pagenaud, who drove for the team at Sebring, and Nelson Philippe.
RACER & autosport.com's avatar

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

RACER & autosport.com

RACER Magazine

MORE BY THIS AUTHOR
Advertising | Jobs | Feedback | FAQ | Terms of Use | NEW Privacy Policy | Ad Choices | Site Map
Fox Sports | FUEL TV | FX Network | National Geographic | IGN | AskMen
The Motor Sports Authority, SPEED and associated logos are registered trademarks of Speed Channel Inc.
All Rights Reserved © Speed Channel, Inc. 2013

All external links will open in a new browser window. SPEED.com does not endorse external sites.