Kovalainen on Indy standby for Renault 13 Jun 2005
Renault have confirmed that Heikki Kovalainen, current GP2 Series leader, will replace Franck Montagny as the team's reserve driver for this coming weekend’s United States Grand Prix.
The team has agreed to release Montagny from his duties to allow him to compete in the Le Mans 24 Hours endurance sportscar event over the same weekend in France.
Kovalainen, a member since 2002 of Renault’s Driver Development programme, has tested several times with the Formula One Team and the Finn has already completed over 3500 kilometres at the wheel of this year's R25.
The Finnish driver hit the headlines last year when he beat Michael Schumacher and top drivers from several other international motorsport series to clinch the Race of Champions crown at the Stade de France in Paris.
Montagny, meanwhile, will resume his position as reserve driver for Renault from his home race, the French Grand Prix, onwards.
