Problems keep Montagny/Andretti from win

Franck Montagny

Franck Montagny made the AGR Acura LMP2 car as fast as any car on the track Saturday evening at Lime Park for the ALMS race. But it was not enough to overcome the setbacks the team had. His teammate Marco Andretti was simply too slow (from lack of seat time and trying to also race in the Nashville IndyCar the same day) and then the radiator had a problem.

"It was very difficult for Marco at the beginning of the race: starting last on this very short and narrow track, he lost almost 30 seconds after three laps and he was lapped after 14 minutes. He had a problem with the radio, too. Then, after I replaced him at the wheel, I had a radiator problem [much gravel on the track] and had to stop again, losing two other laps. But I was the fastest on the track in the second part of the race, and I set the best time of the day. I was asked to let David Brabham go ahead, as he was battling for the victory, but I was able to follow him and the Porsche he was chasing without any problem. Without the penalty and the obligation to start last [as Marco didn't drive the car in practice and qualifying], we should have been able to fight for the win, even if we didn't have the same new Acura splitter as the Highcroft and De Ferran teams. But we'll have it for the next race at Mid-Ohio, next weekend."