McNish to test GP2 car

Renault test driver Montagny, who is GP2's regular development driver, will be attending the final three fly-away races in the Far East and Brazil for the F1 squad alongside his testing commitments. The Frenchman will return to his position with GP2 at the end of the F1 season.

McNish, who will conduct his first GP2 test on September 23 and 24, is itching to step into the cockpit of a single-seater once again.

"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," the Scot said. "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."

For series organiser Bruno Michel, McNish seemed the obvious choice to replace Montagny.

"Allan's experience and class are undeniable," he said. "To have a driver of his pedigree involved with our series at such a crucial point in the development process is very good news. All the engineers he worked with previously said how impressed they had been with his technical knowledge, feedback and appreciation for car control and set-up. Moreover, he has always been fast and consistent. I am confident he will prove to be a huge asset to the GP2 series."