GP2 star Mitch Evans says he is fighting for budget for next season but remains confident of landing a plum drive in the New Year.
The former GP3 champion from Auckland made an impact in his debut season in the Formula One feeder series this year but is yet to secure a seat for 2014.
Despite recording four podiums, including two at Monaco, Evans is fighting to secure budget to clinch a drive.
After racking up an impressive 56 points in 2013, he had been hoping to have a deal confirmed before Christmas, but a new contract is now most likely to arrive early in the New Year.
Despite his budget concerns, the 19-year-old is confident he will be on the grid.
“I will be fighting for budget from our side to make sure I’m on the grid”, Evans told Speedcafe.com.
“I’m quite confident I’ll be racing but obviously in this sport anything can happen but I’m feeling good that I will be on the grid next year. It’s nice being positive but I won’t be satisfied until I sign on the dotted line.”
Evans has revealed he has several options open to him for 2014, including possible drives with front running GP2 teams Racing Engineering and Russian Time.
He successfully tested with both Racing Engineering, who guided Fabio Leimer to the 2013 title, and Russian Time, who secured the 2013 Teams Championship, at Abu Dhabi in November.
“Racing Engineering won the drivers’ championship and Russian Time won the teams’ championship so both teams are very competitive and will give you a good car. I’ve got a few other options but they are two strong options for next year.
“It’s just negotiating deals and stuff like that. We are not flush for cash so we can’t be too demanding but hopefully my results this year can get me a good deal for next year.”
Amid his new commitments as a Porsche LMP1 driver Evans’ manager, Mark Webber is working hard behind the scenes on his protege’s future and an announcement is expected early in the New Year.
