There is no doubt that Franck Perera’s talents were significantly masked by a miserable ELMS campaign in an aged Porsche 911 last season.
Still, behind the gauze of these difficulties his commitment and belief in his own considerable abilities were easy to spot at trackside. Like Adam Carroll, he is a relatively hidden gem that major manufacturers have unfathomably failed to excavate in recent years.
The very rapid 31 year-old has since, along with his driving partner for the past few seasons – Eric Dermont – switched to the TDS Racing BMW Z4 GT3 in both the ELMS and Blancpain Endurance Series for 2015.
We caught Franck as he just finished a team briefing this morning at Paul Ricard.
“I have known Xavier (Combet – TM of TDS Racing) for a very long time,” said the former Toyota F1 tester. “In fact ever since we were karting against each other. In fact we are from the same town (Montpelliar) so we were friends from an early age.”
“Last year was disappointing so Eric decided to change and we came to TDS together. The team is doing really well and taking good steps year after year. It feels very natural already being part of this team with so many talented people in it.”
Perera was clear on what the ‘project’ was for himself and Dermont. Destination – Le Mans in 2016.
“This is the key objective for Eric. We want to be there next year. For 2015 we have the same programme as we did in 2014 which is ELMS and Blancpain. We want to get results this year but at the moment we are learning a lot with the BMW and learning it fast.”
The difference between the Porsche and the BMW could not be starker and Perera seems to be much more at ease with the extra downforce generated by the BMW GTC/GT3 car.
“For a driver like me who has come from single-seaters with lots of grip it is ideal,” he continues. “The response is better and finding the limit is more progressive. The BMW gives some really nice response for the driver. We need more straight-line speed, something like 10-12kph on the street but we will work on this area for sure.”
“So far here at Ricard yesterday and today we are working on set-up and we are going the right way with getting the balance close to where we want it for the ELMS rounds we will compete in.”
While speaking Franck had one eye on the new TDS run ORECA 05 in the adjacent pit.
“Ahh you caught me looking at it! It is beautiful, no? I would love to drive it of course but for now the programme for us is 100% commitment on the BMW and racing at La Sarthe next season.”
