CONFIRMED: Montagny replaces Doornbos

[Kicking-back]

Frank Montagny replaces Robert Doornbos in the third Jordan, as of this weekend's European GP.

Renault wanted their tester to get some race weekend exposure, while Jordan want the feedback of a driver with more F1 miles under his belt than their race drivers.



Cynical hat on: Frank will obviously be able to give feedback about the Bridgestones to Michelin

[Skam85]

Hmm, interesting move by Jordan/Renault. what do we make of this? Is this a preperation to get a Montagny in a Renault in 06? or in a Jordan in 05?

Where does this leave Doornbos? He's unlucky, I have to say, He's at least as talented as Karthikeyen and more talented than Monteiro IMO.

[lucypumablue]

There's been loads of talk about Montagny getting a break into F1 recently, so no French driver in the French GP - so maybe this is preparation?

[Skam85]

Quite possibly. The French GP is 3 races away...what if Monteiro continues his improvements though? he is improving, i have to admit.

[312T4]

It's gonna be only for Nurburgring.
Dornboss should be back for Canada; anyway in my opinion the dutch doesn't deserve this treatment because he's very quick and a very talented driver.
We'll see him back soon, also because I know Bernie Ecclestone likes him a lot.
And when Bernie likes you a seat will come out!

[Don K]

Originally Posted by Skam85

Where does this leave Doornbos? He's unlucky, I have to say, He's at least as talented as Karthikeyen and more talented than Monteiro IMO.

I'm not sure about that.

He seemed to be faster during the first few fridays.
But It looks to me as if Kartikheyan and (especially) Monteiro have improved a lot during the season so far.
Don't forget that Doornbos has seen a lot of the tracks during his succesfull rookie season in F3000.
And he seems to learn the new tracks within very few laps.

But of course, Montagny is a lot more experienced.
I would expect him to give as much feedback as Doornbos (probably even more).
And Doornbos is young (3 1/3 years younger than Montagny, 4 1/2 years younger than Karthikeyan, 5 years younger than Monteiro). He might get another chance ...

-----

As far as I know, Midland did offer Doornbos a contract for next year. But he would have to bring more sponsor money for that.

[BootsOntheSide]

I suspect this is preperation for Franck to do the French GP in Montiero's place, rather than anything else. Renault still have a use for him.

[Raglanparade]

Yeah... find out as much as he can about the Bridgestone Tyres and the Toyota engine

[Don K]

I'm not quite sure what the situation is for this weekend.


According to Doornbos' site, this weekend he will be with the team this weekend "in a different role".

According to pitpass, Renault said Montagny would "resume his normal race weekend duties for the Renault team on Saturday and Sunday".


Does that mean that Montagny will be Renaults reserve driver while Doornbos will be Jordan's reserve driver?

Or does it mean that Montagny will be reserve driver for both Renault and Jordan?

[312T4]

As far as I know Robert won't even be at Nurburgring.
He should be back for Canada and then the rest of the season with the only exception for Magny Cours where Montagny is still set to race.

[Don K]

Originally Posted by Don K

Does that mean that Montagny will be Renaults reserve driver while Doornbos will be Jordan's reserve driver?

Or does it mean that Montagny will be reserve driver for both Renault and Jordan?

It seems as if both Jordan and Renault say that Montagny will be their reserve driver.

Shouldn't be a problem, unless both teams do actually need him.

[Kicking-back]

Correcting my original post: Montagny said yesterday this is a "one-off, for now"