Reigning MINI Challenge series winner Chris Alajajian remains focussed on stepping into the Australian Carrera Cup Championship this season.

With no deal currently in place, the 24-year-old missed Sunday’s official pre-season test at Winton Motor Raceway.

The series does not begin until late March, and Alajajian says he is still assessing all options, including whether he links up with an established team or goes his own way.

“We’ve had a lot of the teams approach us, and we’re just waiting for the right opportunity,” Alajajian told Speedcafe.com.au of his Carrera Cup plans.

“We could run the car ourselves or link up with a team – there’re benefits from both sides.

“Having your own operation, you have a bit more authority I guess, but having a few other cars within the team, you can overlay and look at each other’s data, which is very important to try and get that extra gain from each other.”

Prior to his two-year stint in the MINI Challenge, Alajajian raced in Australian Production Cars, Australian Formula 3, A1GP and the Fujitsu V8 Supercars Series – winning a race at Wakefield Park in 2007.

“My goal is to get back into V8 Supercars, for sure,” said Alajajian.

“Trying to pursue a career in motor racing, it is very difficult these days, and there are a number of drivers that are talented and quite experienced in those cars (V8 Supercars).

“But for me to try to progress to that stage or level, I’ve just got to keep my nose in the racing scene – I’ve got to stay in the limelight, it’s very important.

“In 2008 I thought that I’d line myself up for the 2009 season, and that’s when the recession hit, and it kind of destroyed all opportunities for me.

“This year I just want to get in a seat, and see where we can go from there.

“If I can stay level-headed and get myself in a good car with the right team, than I think we can contend for another championship in Carrera Cup.”