Montagny to replace Ide at Aguri 04 May 2006
Super Aguri have announced that Franck Montagny will race for the team in this weekend’s European Grand Prix. Montagny will replace Yuji Ide, who will now participate in test days only for the Japanese squad.
Ide has struggled to get to grips with Formula One racing in his debut season, and his replacement by former Renault tester Montagny follows advice from the sport’s governing body, the FIA.
“We accept the advice offered by the FIA to allow Yuji to accrue the mileage he requires to improve in Formula One during our testing days only,” said team principal Aguri Suzuki. “The team has made every effort to ensure that Yuji settled into his new F1 surroundings and I think that he has coped incredibly well under the circumstances.
“I wish that I could have given Yuji more time in the car before the start of the season, but with the team being put together so rapidly we were unable to allow him the proper testing that he should have experienced. I will continue to look after Yuji's interests and support his continuing efforts within the team, including his path back to a Formula One race seat. As a result, Franck Montagny will drive for us in the second race seat at the European Grand Prix.”
Montagny was scheduled to run as Super Aguri’s third driver at the Nurburgring. The Frenchman's last Grand Prix appearance was as Jordan's third driver at last year's European round.
For more on Franck Montagny's career click here
