Mitch Evans focused on LMP1 over F1 after Le Mans LMP2 podium

The 20-year-old New Zealander has raced in Europe since 2011, winning the GP3 title in '12 and graduating to GP2 the following season.

Currently fourth in the series with Russian Time, Evans has also dabbled in sportscar racing this year, through a two-race programme with LMP2 outfit Jota Sport.

Alongside Harry Tincknell and Simon Dolan, Evans won the class in Spa's World Endurance Championship round on his debut, and with Oliver Turvey replacing Nissan LMP1 driver Tincknell at Le Mans last weekend, the car finished second despite losing three laps early.

Having seen the likes of Tincknell and countryman Brendon Hartley secure factory LMP1 roles with Nissan and Porsche respectively, Evans says his career could follow the same path.

When asked by AUTOSPORT if sportscar racing was now more prominent on his radar, Evans said: "Absolutely.

"Especially with sportscars having such a positive vibe around it, there are a lot of manufacturers involved, and rumours about other manufacturers being involved in the future.

"It's in a lot better state than what F1 is, and it's great to be part of it.

"If I can make myself part of it, and get an LMP1 gig, I'd be over the moon with that.

"I'm still pushing for the F1 stuff, but realistically it's pretty much over.

"I'm still going to have a good crack in GP2, but it's going to be tough to do anything there, so it's been great for me to do Le Mans and get a buzz out of something else."

Evans, whose manager Mark Webber finished second outright with Porsche, had mixed emotions post-race.

After Jota's early gearshift problems, which cost it approximately 10 minutes, the car finished 48 seconds behind LMP2 winner KCMG.

"It's obviously quite a surreal feeling to be on the podium at Le Mans, but quite heartbreaking as well, to come so close to victory," he said.

"It was just a shame we had the issue at the start of the race, because the pace we had at the end was so much faster than everyone else.

"But it's just an amazing experience to be here and obviously to stand on the podium is very special."