Despite recent claims in some sections of the media that Heikki Kovalainen is being courted by BMW, everything we hear at Pitpass seems to confirm our earlier reports, that the Finn will be Renault's official test and reserve driver in 2006.

Although the World Champions have yet to announce anything regarding its choice of third driver in 2006, everything we hear from our sources within the team seems to point to the Finn replacing Franck Montagny.

Last month, Montagny revealed on his own website that he is leaving Renault, but this has never been officially confirmed or denied by the team.

Today however, it was confirmed that the Frenchman - who has yet to reveal his plans for next season - will take part in nine days of testing for the team, at Barcelona and Jerez, before Christmas.

A source within the team said that it was only logical that with his experience of the team, and the Renault V10 engine, Montagny should take part in the tests.

Kovalainen is scheduled to take part in four days of testing.