Rocketsports aim for Montagny

The Frenchman, who has been hugely impressive in his tests for PKV Racing, has also been linked with the third seat at fledgling Formula One team Super Aguri, but Gentilozzi believes he can win the services of the ex-Renault test driver.

"I have been in negotiations with Franck and his manager," Gentilozzi said. "I have made an offer, they have made a counter-offer, and we should soon find some middle ground.

"Franck seems a strong prospect, and if his heart in his Champ Cars, I believe he will be a major asset to the team and to the series as a whole."

Gentilozzi also commented that he was not wholly averse to Montagny performing third driver role for Super Aguri at the opening F1 races "but only if it didn't conflict with his commitments here in the USA.

"It's something worth discussing, but third drivers can get injured as easily as first and second drivers, so that would be a worry. I wouldn't be enthusiastic about it."

Champ Car's major test before the opening round of the series will be held at Fontana, California, on March 29-30. Opening day of practice for the Australian Grand Prix, the third race on the Formula One calendar is March 31.

This suggests Montagny will be unable to carry out third driver duties for Super Aguri beyond the opening two rounds of the Grand Prix season, at Bahrain and Malaysia.

Gentilozzi also confirmed that should his Montagny deal fall through, he has back up plans with two more ex-Formula One drivers - former Williams tester and substitute driver Antonio Pizzonia, and fellow Brazilian Enrique Bernoldi, who raced for Arrows and for the last two seasons has been one of BAR's test drivers.

"Enrique and Antonio are both young and hungry enough to prove they didn't get the chances they think they deserved in Formula One," remarked Gentilozzi.

"I haven't decided yet if Rocketsports will be running a second car this season - I am only prepared to do it if we can do it right.

"But if it is feasible, those two would be at the top of my list of possible candidates to partner Franck."