05-26-2005, 10:35 AM
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#172
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Regular User
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Portugal
Posts: 1,236
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Montagny joins Jordan:
Originally Posted by F1racing.net
As reported this morning Franck Montagny will be driving for the Jordan F1 team on Friday in the free practice sessions starting at the European Grand Prix tomorrow. The reason behind the switch is because the team wanted a more experienced driver than Doornbos.
"We began the season with three rookie drivers, which was the right thing to do while we adjusted to the Formula 1 environment. But now, after 6 races into the season, we do understand that we need an experienced driver to join forces and simultaneously build up our three rookies," said Jordan's managing director Colin Kolles.
"As we are in a transition year, we are in the unique position to try different options to make sure that next year, when the team will race as Midland F1, we will be able to be competitive from the very beginning. We are very pleased to be given the opportunity to use Franck Montagny's considerable track experience - more than 13,000 km behind the wheel of an F1 car - to give our development a major push forward. In light of this, I am expecting improved performances from our team over the course of the next few races."
Montagny's F1 manager Flavio Briatore said about his deal with the Jordan team: "We have been working to give Franck the opportunity to demonstrate his undoubted capabilities at a race weekend and this is a good step for him, as at Friday practice he will have the chance to test the car in representative conditions. I am happy to be able to help Alex Shnaider and the Jordan team, who will be getting valuable feedback from a quick and proven F1 test driver who has experience with a top car and team. I believe this is a good opportunity for everyone concerned.
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