Montagny set for Jordan role

Frenchman Franck Montagny will assume the third driver role at Jordan this weekend, replacing Robert Doornbos.

Montagny, who is Renault’s regular tester, gets a chance to show off his abilities in tomorrow’s two practice sessions ahead of the European Grand Prix and Jordan managing director Colin Kolles hinted the Frenchman may have a chance at a drive next season.

He said: “As we are in a transition year, we are in the unique position to try different options to make sure that next year, when the team will race as Midland F1, we will be able to be competitive from the very beginning.

“We are very pleased to be given the opportunity to use Franck Montagny’s considerable track experience – more than 13,000 kilometres behind the wheel of a Formula One car – to give our development a major push forward.

“In light of this, I am expecting improved performances from our team over the course of the next few races.”

Today’s move comes just a few weeks after Formula One commercial rights holder Bernie Ecclestone suggested putting Montagny in a Jordan race car for the French Grand Prix to boost interest in the Magny-Cours race.