Montagny says goodbye to F1!

Franck Montagny will therefore, in 2008, disappear from the F1 world after testing for Force India in mid-December, in the hope of securing a race driver position alongside Adrian Sutil. A position that seems very far from the Frenchman as it appears to be promised to Giancarlo Fisichella.

The former test driver for Renault, Super-Aguri, and Toyota confirmed this weekend that he will not be part of the Formula 1 family in 2008.

« I had a chance to be in F1 next year, but I was eliminated because I no longer want to be a third driver, » said the driver on RMC, pointing out the weaknesses of the new sporting regulations that have come into effect over the past two years:

1) The ban on teams using a third car on Grand Prix weekend Fridays.

2) The limitation to 30,000 kms of trials in one year.

« The rules have changed so much that the third driver doesn’t do much anymore and he has become somewhat of a mere spectator, and I no longer want to be considered simply as a spectator! » he stated.

So, who will be the lucky driver to get the last available spot on the 2008 grid? Franck Montagny answers the question:

There is a very good chance that Fisichella will become a driver for Force India. It’s their choice. After three years with Renault, ‘Fisico’ can be a very good asset for a young team.

Deprived of F1, the Frenchman is looking for a new direction to give his career. He desires more than anything to return to competition in 2008. For this, two options are available to him, and his preference is for the pinnacle of endurance…

« Champ Car? Maybe. There are negotiations underway. I’ve received offers from solid teams that are well-positioned. I really care about racing and want to devote myself fully to it in 2008. I think that will be the case. Besides that, of course, I have the 24 Hours of Le Mans or the ALMS… »