04/04/2008
NEWS STORY
Franck Montagny will join A1 Team France for the last 2 events of the season: Shanghai (11th-13th April) and Brands Hatch (2nd-4th May). Despite a very full programme the Frenchman has accepted to drive the red, white and blue car and do battle for the 2007/08 title. He will follow in the footsteps of Loïc Duval and Jonathan Cochet who have defended the team's colours since the start of the season.
With 8 rounds gone A1 Team France is in 3rd place in the overall classification 20 points behind the leader, Switzerland. It has racked up 1 victory, 7 podium placings and 12 points- scoring finishes. 30-year-old Franck Montagny raced in 7 F1 grand prix with Super Aguri in 2006. He was the Renault F1 test driver from 2003 to 2005, and then did the same job for Toyota F1 in 2007.
Franck Montagny: "When A1 Team France asked me to race in the final rounds of the season I immediately checked my programme to see if I could give them a positive reply; then I accepted without hesitation. It's going to be a difficult job but I'm happy to be able to make my contribution. On paper anyway, winning the title is within our possibilities. I can't wait to get behind the wheel of the car and find out its potential."
Olivier Panis: "Welcome Franck! Since the start of the season we've repeated that the title is our objective and Franck's arrival is a boost for the whole team. Pulling back 20 points in three races is going to be a tough challenge, but we're determined to do our absolute best to snatch the crown!"