Top French racer Franck Mailleux is still confident of finding a full-time race seat for the 2013 season and is actively looking for opportunities in either the World Endurance Championships or European Le Mans Series. 

Franck, who has been an integral part of the Signatech endurance team since 2009, had no opportunity to remain with the team for 2013 but is busy finalising his plans for the year ahead with some advanced discussions underway.

The 27-year-old was crowned champion of the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup with Signatech-Nissan in 2011 and took part in his fourth consecutive 24 Hours of Le Mans with the team last year. His four years of experience at the helm of a race and championship winning team makes him a valuable asset to any team in endurance racing.

Quick Q+A with Franck Mailleux

Franck, it must be a frustrating time for you without a seat for the coming season?

“It is not a great situation to be in, that’s absolutely true, but I am still hopeful of finding a solution to my situation. With the experience and results I have built up in the last four seasons, I know I would fit in well with any team looking for results and technical insight. I am still extremely motivated and eager to get back in the cockpit. I’m ready to race!”

How has the winter period been?

“It has been tough because I was hoping and expecting to be continuing in the World Endurance Championship with Signatech-Nissan this year. Unfortunately, there were no opportunities for me with the team. I have not given up and have continued to train hard over the winter, but at the same time recuperate and improve from our 2012 season.”

With just a few weeks from the start of the WEC season, how hopeful are you?

“I adopt the same philosophy out of the car as I do in it; never give up! I am looking forward to the start of the WEC because it promises to be an exciting championship. Of course, I would love to be a part of it, and I remain focussed on trying to find a solution, whether in time for Silverstone or subsequent races. I know what I can deliver, what I am capable of and I hope there is a team who can see it as well. I am actually in discussions with some people which might see me testing at Paul Ricard for a competitive team in the next week so there is still plenty of reason for optimism.”