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Franck Montagny tests positive for cocaine
We now know the reason why Franck Montagny was unable to compete in the Formula E Putrajaya ePrix.
Nick DeGroot
Edited: Jan 1, 2015, 2:49 PM
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There was a mystery surrounding the exact reasons why Franck Montagny was absent at the last Formula E round in Uruguay and left his place to Jean-Eric Vergne at Andretti. Now we know...
The 36-year old driver revealed in French paper L'Equipe the true nature of his absence: he tested positive for a cocaine derivative after the Formula E Putrajaya ePrix in Malaysia in late November.
Racing career may be over
Montagny did not request a B-sample and as a consequence, is automatically suspended from motor racing until a sanction is handed down. "Racing may be over for me", the French driver admitted candidly.
The whole thing went down right after the Putrajaya ePrix: "After the race, I saw the guy who control making a signal to me," he says. "There in my head, I understood immediately. I knew it was over for me. I took the plane. I went shopping for two days. I didn't want to be alone at home. Then I called my parents to tell them. I was ashamed. "
Because of dangerous nature of the sport and its "natural" adrenalin rush, testing positive for controlled substance is fairly rare in racing, but it does happen.
The aftermath
Montagny should know the exact sanction and the consequences within the next few weeks, which are likely to be severe.
His replacement at Andretti for the Buenos Aires ePrix next week should be annonced very soon. We believe it will be Marco Andretti.
Stay tuned as Motorsport.com will follow the developments on this story.
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