Montagny still hopes for Indy drive

The Frenchman was part of AGR's American Le Mans Series programme last year, and tested for the team's IndyCar arm on both ovals and road courses during the winter. He had previously finished an impressive second for Forsythe Racing in the Champ Car finale at Long Beach - his first American single-seater appearance.

He hoped that these performances could lead to full-time IndyCar opportunities, but with AGR retaining Tony Kanaan, Marco Andretti, Danica Patrick and Hideki Mutoh, Montagny's chances depending on the team expanding to a fifth car.

This now looks very unlikely, but Montagny said he is still discussing the possibility of a limited programme with AGR, including Indianapolis.

"America is not easy so far," he said during an interview on the Central Stage at Autosport International. "It's crisis, as it is in Europe. It's not easy over there either.

"We wanted to work together for a couple of races but it looks a little bit difficult - but I'm still in contact with them and I still hope to do some stuff with them, especially in the Indy 500. That's something I've really wanted to do.

"I tried the car on the ovals and road courses and I feel happy with the car, the team was really happy with me. When both parts are very happy you can make it happen, so we'll see."

AGR's deal with Acura in the ALMS has now ended, and Montagny's only confirmed drive for 2009 at present is another Le Mans 24 Hours appearance with Peugeot.