UpdateF1 >> Formula 1 News > Montangy joins A1GP

Frenchman to race last two rounds

A1 Team France has made a shock announcement regarding its driver line-up for rest of the season, by confirming Franck Montagny will replace Jonathan Cochet as its lead driver.

France has to score well in China next weekend to remain in contention for the 2007/08 title, and has called up the former Formula One driver as a final throw of the dice to overhaul the 20 point deficit to leader Switzerland. France is currently in third place, five points behind second-placed New Zealand, with a maximum of 64 still available.

The 30-year-old will make his A1GP debut in Shanghai replacing Cochet, who raced in Mexico City.

Although Cochet wasn’t confirmed for the final two meetings of the season, it was known that France officials had wanted just one driver to spearhead its title-push, in an attempt to help maintain continuity between races. The team was in this position because its previous lead driver, Loic Duval, had made himself unavailable for selection for the final three rounds following commitments he made in Japan prior to this A1GP season.

Cochet however had a disappointing weekend in Mexico. While he ran competitively in free practice, he was unable to make the best from his qualifying runs which compromised his races. He failed to score any points, and the team dropped to third in the championship.

‘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,’ said France’s sporting director Olivier Panis. ‘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.’

Provided France remains within 32 points of the championship leader after next weekend’s Shanghai races, it will still be in with a mathematical chance of reclaiming its 2005/06 crown.

Montagny is excited about the chance of wining the title. He said: ‘When A1 Team France asked me to race in the final rounds of the season I immediately checked my diary 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.’

Written: Sat, 05 Apr 2008 06:38:08