Mitch Evans says stepping up to GP2 is the ultimate goal for him after clinching the GP3 title last weekend.

The New Zealander beat rival Daniel Abt to the title by just two points despite failing to score in the final race of the season at Monza.

The MW Arden driver, in his second season in the series, would get a 200,000 Euro prize from tyre supplier Pirelli if he competes in GP2 in 2013, something Evans admits makes the move very attractive.

He says, however, that he needs first needs to secure the budget to complete a full season.

“Winning this championship, I receive a very nice cheque from Pirelli if I graduate to GP2 so that makes the transition even more attractive which I think is the ultimate step for me,” said Evans.

“Right now I need to get a budget together. Fortunately we got a budget for GP3 for two years. For GP2, it will be tricky so we will work hard during the off-season to put a budget together.

“Hopefully we will be in the same paddock next year.”

He added: “My phone has been going crazy since the last race. Hopefully this well help and people will take a serious interest in my career.

“I hope I can receive more backing. You never know what can happen. There is a long way to go before the start of next season.

“Right now I just want to soak it up and enjoy the next few months before testing starts.”

The 18-year-old from Auckland said securing the title was a dream come
true for him.

“If you told me at the start of the season I would be champion before this season I wouldn’t be able to describe how I would feel. Now I’ve been crowned champion, I have no words to describe this. It’s a dream come true.

“I’ve sacrificed my whole life to come to Europe and it’s so rewarding to win a title in my second year in Europe.

“I want to thank the Giltrap family and also Mark Webber and his partner Anne. Mark took me under his wing a couple of years ago and gave me this opportunity. To drive for his team is so rewarding.

“There are so many people who made this possible, I can’t name everyone but they know who they are. This championship isn’t just for me, it’s for so many people.”