Montagny about his last session

Franck Montagny completes his testing role with the Mild Seven Renault F1 Team tomorrow, after two years with the team. Franck has been testsing for the team the last two weeks at the circuit of Jerez. The Frenchman talks about his final session.

Interview with Franck Montagny

Franck, how did this last test go in Jerez?
"I think we did a very good job. I have done nearly 250 laps in three days, and we have done some very good work on the tyres and chassis set-up for 2006. I think we managed to get a good baseline for the team to work from, and I managed to do some fun things as well, working on set-ups with new tyres. That’s always fun for a driver, so I was able to enjoy this final test."

How did you feel at the end of the day on Friday?
"I was really determined to get 100% enjoyment from those last laps in the car. I hope this is not my last time in an F1 car, but I don’t have anything scheduled at the moment so I really wanted to make the most of it. I was looking at things from a different perspective, and it was nice to finish the day with fastest lap as well. It felt like I had expressed myself as I wanted to."

How do you feel to be leaving the team?
"I have had two great years with Renault, and I have made some very good relationships – especially with the test team. We work well together, and they played a big role in the success this season, especially making the package reliable before the start of the season: that was what helped the team build a points lead, and laid the foundations for the championship. We had a very strong test at Jerez in September too, when we ran the new E spec V10 engine, I set fastest time and we really prepared the final race in China that won the championship. I am proud to have played a part in the adventure this year."

So what does the future hold?
"For me, it is time to turn a new page. I want to go racing again, and although that did not happen as I would have wished with Renault, you do not always get what you want in life. But I want to be positive. I think I have shown my worth this year with some strong performances, and now it is time to take another step forward."