Like competitors in most any other sport, racing drivers are periodically tested for drugs. And while most athletes pass, some occasionally test positive for performance-enhancing drugs, like steroids. But Franck Montagny has tested positive for what's being described as a "derivative of cocaine."
The French driver was once considered a top prodigy in formula and endurance racing. He finished the 24 Hours of Le Mans on the podium four times and won five American Le Mans Series races (including thrice at the Petit Le Mans). He won numerous titles in what would become the World Series by Renault, tested for three separate Formula One teams and contested seven grands prix for the Super Aguri team. He's driven in a handful of IndyCar Series races, finishing second at Long Beach in 2008, but most recently he's been competing in the nascent Formula E series.
That's where things fell apart for Montagny. In a story broken by French sports newspaper L'Équipe, Franck was waved in for a drug test at the end of the second Formula E race in Malaysia on November 22, and immediately knew it was all over. He tested positive for a cocaine derivative, and is reportedly not contesting the results, admitting that his racing career is probably over.
Pending final confirmation, Montagny's been suspended from racing. Citing unspecified health reasons, the Andretti Autosport replaced him with Matthew Brabham for the last Formula E race in Uruguay, and just announced that Marco Andretti will take his seat for the next race in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
The French driver was once considered a top prodigy in formula and endurance racing. He finished the 24 Hours of Le Mans on the podium four times and won five American Le Mans Series races (including thrice at the Petit Le Mans). He won numerous titles in what would become the World Series by Renault, tested for three separate Formula One teams and contested seven grands prix for the Super Aguri team. He's driven in a handful of IndyCar Series races, finishing second at Long Beach in 2008, but most recently he's been competing in the nascent Formula E series.
That's where things fell apart for Montagny. In a story broken by French sports newspaper L'Équipe, Franck was waved in for a drug test at the end of the second Formula E race in Malaysia on November 22, and immediately knew it was all over. He tested positive for a cocaine derivative, and is reportedly not contesting the results, admitting that his racing career is probably over.
Pending final confirmation, Montagny's been suspended from racing. Citing unspecified health reasons, the Andretti Autosport replaced him with Matthew Brabham for the last Formula E race in Uruguay, and just announced that Marco Andretti will take his seat for the next race in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
MARCO ANDRETTI TO RACE IN BUENOS AIRES EPRIX
INDIANAPOLIS, USA (January 2 2015): Marco Andretti is to drive for the Andretti Formula E Team during the forthcoming FIA Formula E Buenos Aires ePrix held on January 10 2015. The Argentinian race weekend, the fourth race in the new series, will see the American complete his first laps in the electric-powered seat.
A nine-year veteran of the Verizon IndyCar Series, Andretti is excited to try his hand at the all-electric series. "I've been looking forward to the chance to get behind the wheel of a Formula E car," said Andretti. "Having never been in the car, it's a bit of an unfamiliar situation for me but the team's pace looks solid enough for a great result. I like unknown situations; I'm up for the task."
The third-generation racer will be the only American competing on the 12-turn circuit at Puerto Madero. The Michael Andretti-led team is currently fifth in the championship standings.
For more information on Formula E, or the forthcoming Buenos Aires ePrix, visit www.fiaformulae.com.
INDIANAPOLIS, USA (January 2 2015): Marco Andretti is to drive for the Andretti Formula E Team during the forthcoming FIA Formula E Buenos Aires ePrix held on January 10 2015. The Argentinian race weekend, the fourth race in the new series, will see the American complete his first laps in the electric-powered seat.
A nine-year veteran of the Verizon IndyCar Series, Andretti is excited to try his hand at the all-electric series. "I've been looking forward to the chance to get behind the wheel of a Formula E car," said Andretti. "Having never been in the car, it's a bit of an unfamiliar situation for me but the team's pace looks solid enough for a great result. I like unknown situations; I'm up for the task."
The third-generation racer will be the only American competing on the 12-turn circuit at Puerto Madero. The Michael Andretti-led team is currently fifth in the championship standings.
For more information on Formula E, or the forthcoming Buenos Aires ePrix, visit www.fiaformulae.com.
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