Renault test driver Franck Montagny couldn't have timed it better.

On the last day of testing for the 2004 Formula One World Championship season, the young Frenchman out-paced his nearest rival (Antonio Pizzonia) by 0.277s, in addition to posting a personal best at the Spanish track.

It has been reported that Montagny was left in tears when Renault first revealed that 1997 world champion Jacques Villeneuve was to replace Jarno Trulli, the Frenchman feeling the (like Badoer in 1999), that his moment in the spotlight had finally arrived. But it was not to be.

After two outings in the R24, the jury is still out on Villeneuve, though some beleive the Canadian to have been disappointing to say the least.

Certainly, Villeneuve could have done with more time in the car. He missed the previous Jerez test due to a visa problem, yet only ran for one day at this week's test. On the other hand, Montagny tested on all three days, always finishing in the top three.

There has been speculation that Montagny might be drafted in for the final race, which would be highly ironic since Villeneuve was dropped for the last race of 2003, but this seems unlikely.

To drop Villeneuve would be embarrassing for all concerned, and in all honesty the runner-up spot in the constructors' championship is already decided.

However, surely Montagny has proved his worth. He has been linked with both Minardi and Jordan, and maybe some sort of engine deal might ease his smooth passage into a race seat for 2005. Certainly, the Frenchman has no intention of remaining a full-time test driver like Gene or Wurz.