Doornbos out, Montagny in

Robert Doornbos will not drive for the Jordan team at Nürburgring. The Dutchman hasn't found sponsors to pay for the very expensive seat at Jordan. Doornbos was the third driver for the Jordan team in the last 6 races, but will now be replaced during the practice sessions by Renaults test driver Franck Montagny.

Although the Jordan team state it is a matter of experience, it is widely thought that more money can be brought by Franck. The Jordan team is currently in financial trouble and rumours are around that Eddie Irvine is aiming to purchase the team together with Russian backing.

As of tomorrow's free practice, Montagny will anyway perform the testing duties for the yellow coloured team.

"We began the season with three rookie drivers, which was the right thing to do while we adjusted to the Formula 1 environment. But now, after 6 races into the season, we do understand that we need an experienced driver to join forces and simultaneously build up our three rookies," said Jordan's managing director Colin Kolles.

"As we are in a transition year, we are in the unique position to try different options to make sure that next year, when the team will race as Midland F1, we will be able to be competitive from the very beginning. We are very pleased to be given the opportunity to use Franck Montagny's considerable track experience - more than 13,000 km behind the wheel of an F1 car - to give our development a major push forward. In light of this, I am expecting improved performances from our team over the course of the next few races."

Montagny's F1 manager Flavio Briatore said about his deal with the Jordan team: "We have been working to give Franck the opportunity to demonstrate his undoubted capabilities at a race weekend and this is a good step for him, as at Friday practice he will have the chance to test the car in representative conditions. I am happy to be able to help Alex Shnaider and the Jordan team, who will be getting valuable feedback from a quick and proven F1 test driver who has experience with a top car and team. I believe this is a good opportunity for everyone concerned."

CV: Franck Montagny, Renault F1 Team Test Driver Date of Birth: 5 January, 1978
Place of Birth: Feurs, France
Lives: Oxford, UK
Nationality: French
Marital Status: Single