Super Aguri eyes Montagny for third seat

UPDATE #2 This rumor is upgraded to 'fact' today. Super Aguri has signed Montagny to be their third driver for the opening two races of the season, but they have no car for him to drive so he will just be there in case a regular driver falls ill or gets injured.

After that Montagny is not available as he hopes to be at the Champ Car open test at the end of March and start the season opening Champ Car race in Long Beach on April 9th.

02/22/06 (GMMf1NET) Former Renault test driver Franck Montagny could find himself in Super Aguri's 'Friday' practice car in 2006, according to speculation.

Although the 28-year-old Frenchman was strongly linked with a move to American Champ Cars, it is now suggested that he could line up alongside racers Takuma Sato and rookie Yuji Ide at the all new formula one outfit.

The appointment could be ideal for Montagny, particularly in the context of last month's reports that a more competitive race lineup could be installed once a bespoke 2006 Super Aguri car is ready in May.

It is rumored that contact has already been made between Feurs-born Montagny and team management, but team chief Aguri Suzuki is believed to favor the concept an all-Japanese '06 driver lineup.

02/21/06 Former Renault test driver Franck Montagny is being considered by the new Super Aguri team for the role of third driver, autosport.com reports. The Frenchman left Renault at the end of 2005 and has been pursuing a racing seat in the Champ Car series. However, despite setting impressive times in testing for the PKV team at Sebring last month, autosport.com understands that PKV are now looking for a more experienced Champ Car driver to partner their recent signing, rookie Katherine Legge.

Recall that AutoRacing1.com rumored a long time ago that Oriol Servia would team with Katherine Legge at PKV Racing. Legge has been announced and we await Servia's confirmation.