Montagny targets 2009 IndyCar drive

The former grand prix driver had signed up to contest Champ Car with Forsythe this year, but lost his drive when the series reunified with the IRL and the team dropped out.

But Forsythe will race in the last ever Champ Car event, at Long Beach this weekend, and Montagny is hoping they will make the switch to IndyCar for next year.

"It was disappointing to have a deal three weeks before the season, and then nothing," he told autosport.com. "But we've kept very close with Forsythe and we have a very good relationship. Maybe there will be a chance to do IndyCar with them next year, I hope so."

Montagny had his first races since the 2006 French Grand Prix in the A1GP round at Shanghai last weekend. He finished 12th and eighth in the two races in China, in preparation for the Long Beach event.

"It was good to get some racing in before going to Long Beach," he added. "I will have the same mechanics and engineers as at the Champ Car test so I think we'll have a good car. I've never been to Long Beach but I think we can be strong."