Renault: Montagny waiting

Franck Montagny is waiting but is not worried. Engaged with Peugeot en Endurance, the native of Feurs already has a substantial program with a French manufacturer. The driver was also this week in Misano, with Peugeot, to help Michelin in the development of its tires. But the prospect of (re)running Formula 1, dream of every pilot, is an option that “ would be a nice revenge on fate », admitted Franck Montagny to Radio Canada.

Recently, the former third pilot of Renault F1 Team had confided to being in contact with the diamond firm to glean a steering wheel from the team in 2010. This weekend, the Frenchman confirmed that the exchanges took place on several occasions. “ There is a real possibility, we have discussed it quite a few times. I discuss with the technical part, Gilles (Bellec, his agent) discusses with the commercial part. It's not in the air. We'll see if it goes through to the end. It's still a little early »

The one who competed in seven Formula 1 Grands Prix with Super Aguri, however, recognizes that the interest from Renault F1 Team surprised him somewhat. “ I didn't particularly expect to find myself on the list. I was focused on my proto program, not particularly on F1, because I was no longer there. But surprises happen like that. It would be a nice revenge on fate. »

However, "FKM" prefers to be cautious, having often hoped for a starting driver's wheel that Renault never offered him, when he was third driver (2003 to 2005), during the Briatore era. “ I heard that Renault was interested in me, and not the other way around. So, I'm happy, I'm proud. But I have no cards in my hand, apart from my motivation and my desire. »

Now part of the Franco-British team, Flavio Briatore will not be an obstacle to the arrival of Franck Montagny at Renault, something unimaginable if the Italian had still been in office. “ I suppose that since I was no longer on good terms with Flavio, the fact that he was no longer there worked in my favor “, he admits to Radio Canada. On the other hand, if he was called to team up with Robert Kubica, the French driver affirms that the association would go smoothly. “ I have things in my favor, others less but I know that with Robert (Kubica), there is no problem, things are going well. »

The driver, 31, therefore does not want to bet everything on Renault F1, especially since the manufacturer?s involvement in Formula 1 has not been confirmed with force and vigor by Carlos Ghosn, who preferred to reserve his decision for the end of the year. “ It’s a team with which I worked, I evolved, I won a world championship (2005), so for me, it would be sad to see this team disappear. “, affirms the Frenchman.

From then on, it is the only 2010 season that appears in planning for “FKM”. “ I'm not sure this is a long term plan at all., he confirms. We're going to do 2010 first, then we'll see. »The Frenchman therefore waits« a response in not long, in a fortnight », in order to know what his next season will be like.