Montagny to drive for Jordan at Nurburgring.

Jordan Grand Prix has announced that Franck Montagny, Renault's test and reserve driver, will drive their third car this weekend at the European Grand Prix during Friday's practice sessions.

Jordan hope the Frenchman will have a 'significant impact on the development of a competitive car set-up under race conditions', as well as on 'the progress of the new 2006 car in the making'.

"We began the season with three rookie drivers, which was the right thing to do while we adjusted to the Formula 1 environment. But now, after six races into the season, we do understand that we need an experienced driver to join forces and simultaneously build up our three rookies," explained Jordan's managing director, Colin Kolles.

"As we are in a transition year, we are in the unique position to try different options to make sure that next year, when the team will race as Midland F1, we will be able to be competitive from the very beginning.

"We are very pleased to be given the opportunity to use Franck Montagny's considerable track experience - more than 13,000 km behind the wheel of an F1 car - to give our development a major push forward. In light of this, I am expecting improved performances from our team over the course of the next few races."

Where this leaves Jordan's official third driver, Robert Doornbos meanwhile is open to debate, however it is understood that at the moment Montagny's deal is for this event only, and as such Doornbos should resume his normal Friday role at the Canadian Grand Prix, next month.