Montagny: new rules are fun

The French test driver, who drove a hybrid Renault running with 2005 specification wings and aero-package during last week's test at Jerez, reckons that a good set-up and tyre conservation will be key to success in 2005.

"It's a different challenge," he said. "There is much less grip, which you really notice in the medium-speed corners. The rear of the car will also slide more readily, which is fun for the driver."

The new rules call for engines to last two race meetings as well as for tyres to last a full race distance. This, according to Montagny, has put an emphasis on the driver to work harder to find a car friendly set-up.

"The driver has lost the fun of running with new tyres all the time," he said. "But overall, it is a different kind of challenge, that's all. You need to be able to manage the tyres from the start to the end of the race, and not simply drive flat out throughout the stint.

"I think that car set-up will be even more important than it was in the past. Until now, a new set of tyres could mask a small problem with the chassis but that will no longer be the case for 2005. What's more, even the smallest handling imbalance will have a big impact over 300km."