Montagny Set for Le Mans Return

Renault were initially reluctant to allow the Frenchman to accept the drive, as the race will be held on the same weekend as the United States Grand Prix, but team boss Flavio Briatore has now given Montagny permission to return to Le Mans for the first time since 2002.

"I'm happy because I'm racing again,"Montagny stated, "and that Renault has let me do this. It was not an easy decision to make, and that's why it took some time to come together.

"There isn't much time to prepare, but I believe we will be strong and have a good chance of winning. It is good to get in the car that won three of the times I was there. The Audi is the car - very strong and easy to drive."

Montagny will complete an all-French line up, with Stephane Ortelli and Jean-Marc Gounon already signed.

Oreca boss Hugues de Chaunac was delighted with the decision, noting: "I wanted either Franck or Stephane Sarrazin - it looked as though I wasn't going to get either, but then I received a phone call from Australia on Friday. It was Franck, with good news."

Montagny is due to test the Audi R8 at Paul Ricard on March 21.