Montagny spins, but is on pace with teammate

(GMM) It was a typically understated kick-off to F1 action on Friday morning at the Nurburgring in Germany, with 'third' drivers hogging the tarmac.

Newly promoted Super Aguri racer Franck Montagny, however, did a program of 16 laps, impressively lagging teammate Takuma Sato's best time by a single tenth.

But the Frenchman, who says he isn't sure about whether the seat will remain his at Barcelona, reacquainted himself with a formula one track by doing an early spin under braking.

''I am obviously not as prepared as the other drivers,'' Montagny said, ''but it's not a problem for me. The conditions are not ideal but I will take it as it is — a great pleasure.''

In the 18 and 19C temperatures, Ferrari's Michael Schumacher was the quickest race driver, but neither Renault posted a lap time.