Renault announce Montagny as 2004 third driver

The Mild Seven Renault F1 Team is pleased to announce Franck Montagny as the team's third driver for the 2004 Formula One season. The 25 year-old Frenchman has demonstrated speed and consistency during his testing this season, as well impressing the team with his ability to learn and the quality of his technical feedback. 2004 will see him extend his testing duties alongside race drivers Jarno Trulli and Fernando Alonso.

"I am happy to welcome Franck as our third driver," commented Mild Seven Renault F1 Team Managing Director Flavio Briatore. "In recent years, the third driver has become increasingly important to a team's success, and our decision to promote Franck to this key role is a direct reflection of the work he has accomplished for us this year. He has worked hard behind the scenes testing for the F1 team, and he has put in accomplished race performances in the Nissan series. He has a bright future ahead of him.

"We also want to thank Allan McNish, who has done an outstanding job for us this year, and made a key contribution to our success. His work in the 'Heathrow' test sessions has been invaluable, and we hope that his achievements this year will propel him to greater things."

Franck Montagny is 25 years old, and has spent the 2003 season competing in the World Series by Nissan with Gabord Competicion. He has taken eight out of twelve race wins, and is currently leading the championship, 107 points ahead of his closest pursuer.

Montagny joined the Mild Seven Renault F1 Team as a test driver at the start of 2003. He has conducted a wide range of work for the team this year, from straight-line and shakedown testing to participating in the Heathrow session at the French Grand Prix, where he impressed in spite of difficult conditions. He has also recently completed a two-day test at Barcelona in preparation for the final races of the season.

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