Renault drop McNish

Allan McNish has been dropped by Renault for next season after the team confirmed Franck Montagny will replace him as test driver.

The Scotsman has been third driver for Renault this season after a year racing in Formula One with Toyota in 2002, allowing him to test on the Friday of grands prix weekends.

But Renault today confirmed their 2004 line-up – race drivers Jarno Trulli and Fernando Alonso along with tester Montagny – with no role for McNish.

Renault managing director Flavio Briatore said: “I am happy to welcome Franck as our third driver.

“In recent years, the third driver has become increasingly important to a team’s success – and our decision to promote Franck to this key role is a direct reflection of the work he has accomplished for us this year.

“We also want to thank Allan McNish, who has done an outstanding job for us this year and made a key contribution to our success.

“His work in the Heathrow test sessions has been invaluable, and we hope that his achievements this year will propel him to greater things.”