Kovalainen Could Get Renault Role

Montagny has signed a deal to race for the Oreca Audi Le Mans squad after being granted permission by Renault to take part in the 24 Hours event, but his absence has meant the French manufacturer has had to find a reserve driver in case Fernando Alonso or Giancarlo Fisichella are unable to race in Montreal or Indianapolis.

Although a final decision has not been made yet, Kovalainen's continued impressive work for the team, allied to the fact that his GP2 commitments do not clash with the North American races, means that he will almost certainly be granted the role.

Speaking to Autosport-Atlas during testing at Paul Ricard in France this week, where he has been getting his first run in the R25 car, Kovalainen said about the reserve driver situation: "I have not been officially told, but that is what I hear.

"If anything happened to either of the race drivers then it would definitely give me an opportunity, but I don't even know if my schedule for the weekend is okay yet."

Renault have said that they will make an announcement about their reserve driver plans when a final decision has been made.