Montagny expects to lose Aguri seat to Japanese

UPDATE We are downgrading this rumor to 'speculation' today. Team boss Aguri Suzuki told Autosport.com, "I have never said that we want an all-Japanese driver-line. I am sure my team is a Japanese team, but it is not necessary to have two Japanese drivers.

"If there is a good Japanese driver then I can give him a chance, but if not then it is a different story.

"We decided just before the Nurburgring to take Franck, but now we have more time to decide in the future. Anyway, he drives in Monaco also and then we have two or three weeks to decide.

"We will have some more discussions with Montagny and other drivers, but I am quite happy using him. He is good."

05/11/06 (GMM) Franck Montagny does not expect to keep the second race seat at Super Aguri for the rest of the 2006 season.

The Frenchman, who debuted in Yuji Ide's place after the Japanese's Super License was revoked, will stay in the Aguri Suzuki-owned cockpit for the next two grands prix.

But he admitted in Barcelona that a Japanese-born replacement is more likely for the longer term.

''If you look at the side of the car it says 'Born in Japan','' 28-year-old Montagny smiled, ''but I am in the car and will try to do a good job.''

Speculation suggests that an all-Japan lineup, with Takuma Sato residing the other Honda-powered 'SA05', is a condition of some sponsorship of the team.

But Suzuki told 'AFP' this week that Ide's permanent replacement would be chosen according to his 'experience, not his nationality'.