Grapevine: McNish to Test GP2 Car in France

Former Grand Prix driver Allan McNish will take over development duties of the new GP2 car for the next three scheduled test sessions at the Paul Ricard circuit.

McNish will conduct his first GP2 test at Paul Ricard on September 23rd and 24th, while regular GP2 development driver Franck Montagny will be attending the final three flyaway Formula One races in the Far East and Brazil during this time.

The Scot, a former Toyota and Renault driver, left Formula One at the end of last season.

"I'm really excited about joining forces with GP2 and I'm looking forward to getting back behind the wheel of a single seater again," said McNish. "The car looks fantastic and from what I hear, it's going to be great fun to drive. Such a powerful car with no traction control or power steering should be sensational to handle.

"I also can't wait to experience the ground effect. I hope that my experience and genuine belief in this series will help to develop this machine into something that will form the basis of what I think will be an incredible motorsport formula."

The GP2 series, which will use Dallara chassis and Renault engines, will replace the F3000 championship next year.