Montagny Enjoys First Jordan Outing

The Renault test driver is making his debut with the Silverstone-based squad, substituting Dutchman Roberts Doornbos as the team's third driver on Friday.

Montagny had a difficult start in first practice, but things improved in the afternoon and he could manage the 17th quickest time, outpacing both his teammates.

"It was a good day even if I expected it to be a little bit easier," said the Frenchman. "After the first session, I have realised we had a lot of work to do on the car. The second session went much better. I have had a very good impression of the team.

"People are listening to me and therefore we were able to make some changes to the car. I had a few problems adapting myself to the car as I have never driven it before and this was quite different from what I know and what I am used to. However, I am very happy with this experience today."

Portuguese Tiago Monteiro was 20th quickest while Indian Narain Karthikeyan finished at the bottom of the times after a tough day.

"I did not have a very good afternoon session, as I hit a cone and slightly damaged my car and then I had a small spin," said Karthikeyan. "I have spent most of the two sessions learning the layout, as again this is a circuit I have never been on.

"We have made some changes to the car that we had not tried before and I am quite happy with the progress we are making."